black leaf Posted February 5, 2014 Posted February 5, 2014 Hello, Looking seriously at Subaru for my next car. Test drove the Legacy, Forester, and Outback at the Washington Auto Show. Particularly liked the Legacy. In comparing spec sheets, I noted that the Legacy has a ground clearance of 5.9", while the Outback and Forester at 8.7". Doesn't sound like that much in my head, but that is why I am asking. So, for those who have owned both, have there been circumstances where the Outback / Forester was able to go places / do things where the Legacy could not because of the ground clearance difference? Does the ground clearance in terms of performance (not aesthetics) matter to you personally, and why / why not? Appreciate the input.
blcnghtsky Posted February 5, 2014 Posted February 5, 2014 It sounds like your looking at the 5th Gen then? If your looking to buy new, why not wait til the 6th Gen comes out? Regardless, back to the topic at hand... I own a 2010 Legacy and haven't noticed any problems with ground clearance. Occasionally if there is a particularly large speed bump, even rolling over it slowly might catch the bumper underneath, but it doesn't seem to affect driving at all.. I have definitely plowed myself through thick snow with no issues whatsoever.
Moderators BarManBean Posted February 5, 2014 Moderators Posted February 5, 2014 Not to be overly simple, but it's all a tradeoff. What will you be doing with your car? Gravel roads, etc will be fine with either--if you'll be getting into roads with baseball sized rocks, boulders, etc (i.e. do you travel logging roads after ice season?) then you'll greatly appreciate the extra clearance / extra tire sidewall. If you're worried about potholes and such, at stock height I don't think it matters *all* that much--sure the extra height might save you, but you'll still likely find plenty of potholes that can swallow a wheel and cause damage. "Bullet-proof" your OEM TMIC! <<Buy your kit here>> Not currently in stock
MrTris Posted February 6, 2014 Posted February 6, 2014 ^ Quote for truth. The other thing to consider -- Just how old are you? The Legacy and the Outback are identical cars, with the exception of the wheels and suspension. Think of the Outback as if a Legacy had a baby with a truck -- Bigger wheels and lifted. That said, the Outback feels easier to get into if you're old and have creaky bones/joints as opposed to its' regular-height counterpart. Like BMB said, if you're not traveling logging roads after ice-season, or, don't really go off-road at all, except for dirt roads and "trails" along campsites, you'll be just fine without the extra ground clearance. And as an added bonus, your sexuality won't be called into question by your friends, relatives, and strangers. Good luck with the purchase, and if your Washington isn't on the east coast, I recommend you visit Mike Scarff Subaru in Auburn.
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