Thought I’d share an interesting experience all of you. Yesterday I was driving up to Yosemite National Park on California State Route 41, coming from Fresno. Before approaching the mountain community of Oakhurst, there are several passing lanes to allow slower vehicles to yield to faster traffic when climbing the mountain grade. In front of me was a new 2002 Subaru WRX automatic; I was in my 1999 S70 T5 automatic.

We were both in the number one lane, passing slower traffic, but the WRX was going a little slow for my tastes so I was prodding him a bit. The WRX took the cue and punched it. Of course I did the same. The interesting part is that we were both exactly (I mean exactly) evenly matched, accelerating at the same rate. We did this on three different passing areas, each time accelerating to about 110 MPH before conceding to safety. By our second run, it was perfectly clear we were both testing out and comparing each other’s machinery. And, quite frankly, at the time, I was a bit surprised that I wasn’t quicker. The WRX’s boxer 4 must be a sweat little mill. When we both pulled up to the intersection of SR 41 and 49, we both looked at each other and smiled. I think both of us were a bit surprised.

When I got back to the office today, I did some quick research and ran a few numbers. Here they are.

1999 S70 T5
Engine 2.3 L Inline 5 cyl. 20 valve DOHC Intercooled turbocharged
Horsepower 236 @ 5100 rpm
Torque 243 @ 2700 rpm
Curb weight 3272
Weight/Horsepower 13.86



2002 Subaru WRX
Engine 2.0 L Horizontally Opposed 4 cyl. 16 valve DOHC Intercooled turbocharged
Horsepower 227 @ 6000 rpm
Torque 217 @ 4000 rpm
Curb weight 3140 lbs
Weight/Horsepower 13.83




I realize that there are a lot of considerations one must account for when making these type of comparisons (torque, gear ratios, turbo lag, etc.); however, when looking at the bottom number, the weight per horsepower comparison, there seems to be a confirmation of what I observed the previous day.

I’ve always admired Subaru’s and for a long time considered them to be Japan’s Volvo-like car maker (safe, innovative, turbos, quirky, and so on…). Yesterday’s outing just bumped Subaru up a notch on my respect scale.

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1999 S70 T5