which is better four-cylinder or six-cylinder

[dill]

I have a 2001outback with a four-cylinder. Thinking of another outback,
should I get the six-cylinder , and how reliable is the six-cylinder?
Thanks in advance

 

[null]

I've got the H6 in my sedan and it's been good (only 26,000 so far). You
can only get an automatic
transmission with it though. And it has been typically required that you
get the premium options also.
Getting the transmission to down shift takes thinking 3-5 seconds ahead.
To preserve fuel economy the transmission doesn't like to down shift and
this leads to some frustration. It also requires premium fuel. I've tried
running 89 octane with limited success for city driving it's ok but don't
expect to be able to mash the peddle as the ECU will retard the timing to
prevent knocking and I have had some knock on 89 octane but surprisingly
about the same mpg. Typically I run 93 in mine, since that's what's
available. I get about 21-22 mpg.
The timing chain is a 'lifetime' part as long as you keep the oil changed
(all 6.2 quarts of it).
The muffler has a spring/pressure activated bypass valve in it.
Theoretically, at highway speeds exhaust pressure
is strong enough to push the valve open and give better performance. For
what it's worth I turned my spring around
to hold the valve open all the time. You loose a little on the low end but
I've found that generally I get better
response from it.

 

[RN]

I've got the H6 in my sedan and it's been good (only 26,000 so far). You
can only get an automatic
transmission with it though. And it has been typically required that you
get the premium options also.
Getting the transmission to down shift takes thinking 3-5 seconds ahead.
To preserve fuel economy the transmission doesn't like to down shift and
this leads to some frustration. It also requires premium fuel. I've tried
running 89 octane with limited success for city driving it's ok but don't
expect to be able to mash the peddle as the ECU will retard the timing to
prevent knocking and I have had some knock on 89 octane but surprisingly
about the same mpg. Typically I run 93 in mine, since that's what's
available. I get about 21-22 mpg.
The timing chain is a 'lifetime' part as long as you keep the oil changed
(all 6.2 quarts of it).
The muffler has a spring/pressure activated bypass valve in it.
Theoretically, at highway speeds exhaust pressure
is strong enough to push the valve open and give better performance. For
what it's worth I turned my spring around
to hold the valve open all the time. You loose a little on the low end but
I've found that generally I get better
response from it.

Interesting....
I am planning to buy an Outback as well, but I find the difference in price
between the 2,5 with comfort pack and the 3.0 quite big. (12.000 euro which
is $ 15,000). You get leather, electric chairs, an automatic with 5 gears
(instead of 4 for the 2,5) and 2 cylinders extra. Having read your posting,
I think I'll go for the 2,5 with hand gears.

Rob

 

[Debra Co]

Two years and 35K on the 6 cyl. No problems yet.

 

[No Way]

I've got the H6 in my sedan and it's been good (only 26,000 so far). You
can only get an automatic
transmission with it though. And it has been typically required that you
get the premium options also.
Getting the transmission to down shift takes thinking 3-5 seconds ahead.
To preserve fuel economy the transmission doesn't like to down shift and
this leads to some frustration. It also requires premium fuel.

See you dealer for the factory service advise about fuel.
You can use 'regular' grade.
You loose about 20 horsepower.
But it is ok.