New Subaru Outback 2.5XT vs 3.0R (LLBean or Premier)
I'm thinking of getting a new Subaru Outback wagon and I was wondering what people think of the 2.5XT vs the 3.0R. Fully loaded, they are approximately the same price. The 2.5 has 2HP less but more torque (26lbs/ft more and at lower RPM as well). It also comes with Subaru's 'SI-Drive' system and has shift-control on the wheel which the 3.0R doesn't have? I'm leaning towards the 2.5XT but the 3.0R seems more popular. The mileage is rated a tad better for the 2.5 but it needs 91 octane while the 3.0 only recommends it (although HP and mileage on the 3.0 might be lower if 91 isn't used). The 2.5 is available with a manual tranny while the 3.0 is auto-only but I think we'd go with auto anyway so it's a non-issue.
Any thoughts, opinions or suggestions?
Any thoughts, opinions or suggestions?