Are you looking at used or 2010 models?

Subaru Research Site- specs, prices, options, 2011, 2010, 2009.. Outback, Legacy, Forester, Impreza, Tribeca will have the specs for any year. OBS is smaller and lighter, its' handling will reflect that. There is some ground clearance difference depending on the models being compared but the basic AWD system is the same. The difference would be if the OB had VTD or VDC or the like.

 

the ground clearence on the sport is 6.4 and on the outback is 8.4 or there abouts

 

I'm probably looking at a used ('08 or '09), but considering a new 2010.

Thanks Uvawyo.

 

The comparisons between 08 an 09 models will pretty much leave you looking at size, clearance, and features. With exception to the Outback XT (turbo), the 2.5 L drive train is the same, and both cars are on the same platform. Both are great in snow, but remember that AWD isn't a silver bullet, so I'd recommend snow tires for either car in the winter.

Features: The OBS is a version of the Impreza whereas, while the Outback is still a Legacy Wagon, Subaru treats it as it's own model line, so you will have more vesatility in what you can find for options on an Outback. There is the 2.5i, the XT, limited editions, etc. that all come with cvarying option packages. The Outback sport is a version of the Impreza that comes as a set option package. It's still very well-equiped, but you won't find an OBS with leather or nav, for example, unless it's aftermarket.

An important note - the Outback Sport, compared to the Impreza comes down to wheels and 2-tone paint, the advertised "Increased ground clearance" on the OBS is only .2 inches and comes from having 17 inch wheels vs. the 16 inch on the Impreza 2.5i. If you don't care about 2-tone paint or wheels, you can get an Impreza 2.5i hatchback with the same options, probably for less.

The Outback, when compared to a Legacy includes the wagon body, different suspension, and probably more stuff that I'm not aware of.

When you get to the '10 Ouback vs. the '10 Outback Sport, worlds apart. The Outback is on a new platform, has new options, new drivetrain components...someone else would have to tell you more about this.

I have an '09 Outback Sport and love it. I like the paint, the wheels, and having something a little different than the usual Impreza 2.5i. The difference in ground clearance doesn't really matter to me as I drive predominantly on tarmac, and I don't need the extra space. Or at least I didn't when I bought it, now that my wife is pregnant....there may be an 05-09 Outback XT or Legacy GT in my future...or in hers.

 

It is now 2021 and I drive an 11 OBS and she eats in the dirt. Thought I’d put that out there. Thanks for the 11 year old read

 

Ogden,

Thanks for the comments on the Outback Sport and the Outback Wagon. I've both the OBS being a 2010 and the Outback Wagon 2008 (Wife's Car). Some how that one feels more "substantial". As far as the front seats are concerned my OBS seems roomier.

 

Great info, thanks Ogden. I really need a sie by side test drive on some bumpy roads I guess. Sounds like for snow/road cruising they'd be pretty comparable cars.

If anyone else has info on the difference in suspensions or salient details bewteen the Outback and the OBS I'd love to hear.

Thanks,
G

 

OBS - I test drove one a while back. It is dramatically smaller than the new Outback the big one. The OBS is a very nimble easy car to zip in and out of city traffic - tight parking etc. the Outback which I now own is BIG not so zippy and easily parked in tight places. Regarding capability they are very close to the same regarding snow - off road etc. Except again the OBS is a much smaller package and it does drive in my mind more sporty through the curves etc. The one big deal killer for me were the racer boy seats which in cloth form are actually not very easy to get out of and it was a hands down **** no from the elder person along for the ride LOL. Though to be fair the seats did hold you firm when you tossed the car around.

If I didn't need trunk space or kid seat space the OBS MT with after market leather seat covers would be my ideal nearly go anywhere good milege SUV choice. I'm not a fan of the square box "SUV" theme applied to the same platform as the OBS in the form of the Forrester. Note that the OBS trunk hardly fits a bag of golf clubs they go cross ways and are corner to corner. My 2001 Legacy has nearly the same identical seating space but the trunk was huge in comparison to the OBS given the clubs could sit length wise across the back of the trunk with plenty of room for three more bags or other assorted gear etc.

So the OBS is pretty compact but does offer a decent amount of seating space.

 

I have both the 2010 Outback Limited and the 2010 Outback Sport. I like both cars and basically agree with all of the comments made here. The OBS is fun to drive and is pretty comfortable with lots of leg room. I am 6' and I could use just a tad more leg room when I am behind the wheel but it is not unlivable. As stated if you need the extra hauling space the Outback is a better choice. The trunk area of the OBS is a little smaller than the 2007 we had. Most likely because they have extended the wheel base and move the rear seat back. I didn't read that but I did notice that there seems to be less room in the trunk with the back seats up.

 

The trunk area of the OBS is a little smaller than the 2007 we had. Most likely because they have extended the wheel base and move the rear seat back. I didn't read that but I did notice that there seems to be less room in the trunk with the back seats up.

That's exactly why. My GC ('97) Outback Sport had more seat-up hatch space than my current OBS. Seats down though, and the '09 is a bit bigger.

Subaru sacrificed hatch space for rear seat room. I've had 6+ foot folks in the back for fairly long hauls without much difficulty.

 

ob sport vs ob wagon

the ob wagon is a lot quieter than ob sport on rougher pavement, also. Darrell

 

I have a 2010 Outback already and am thinking about which Subie to get to replace my old 2-dr Accord.

Leaning towards the Outback Sport...Does anyone know if it will be getting the CVT?

 

If you can't wait for the major refresh in a year or two - I think the sport is probably the best used car deal that can be had. You get a very good engine and transmission and a very stiff strong safe frame with AWD at super crazy cheap prices. Every time I look at used sports I think people are crazy not to have them at the top of their list for used car options. I saw one with 25K on it totally mint shape two years old for $12,000! That car will easily run 180-200,000 miles with little issues! There isn't a used car you could buy for 12K that can match that.

 

Rumored to have a 2.0 Engine with CVT for the 2012 model Year, and get 30 mpg.

The "My Dealership Told Me" Thread - Page 44 - NASIOC

Post 1096

 

I see your snoutback sport and raise you a troutback sport

 

I get the feeling you might have some stories or pics to share - welcome to the forum!

 

Yes I do sir

 

Sweet!