|
Post by herbhunter on Aug 27, 2012 18:49:09 GMT -5
Thanks, Herb. Not much difference in towing capacity between the 2 Subarus. Not sure if that is an engine issue or a chassis issue. As I understand it, engine torque, axle ratio and transmissions have a lot to do with determining towing capacity but other factors include cooling and braking capacity. Both Audi engines, by virtue of their forced induction, generate their maximum torque at a lower RPM than the larger Subaru engines and my hunch is that the higher low-end torque has more to do with the greater towing capacity than anything else.
|
|
|
Post by naill on Aug 27, 2012 19:15:11 GMT -5
I see a lot of Subys with trailer hitches. It really depends on the weight. We pulled a camper with a 4 cylinder engine for years but the camper was lightweight.
|
|
|
Post by thedude on Aug 27, 2012 19:26:19 GMT -5
I think my trailer weighs about 1800 lbs empty, so it's pretty stout.
|
|
|
Post by 3quartertime on Aug 27, 2012 19:50:40 GMT -5
You wanna play in 4X4 and tow the others out of the ditch? My old 71' Not the best gas mileage, but serious points on the man card...
|
|
|
Post by Holy Schist on Aug 27, 2012 19:53:38 GMT -5
Thanks, Herb. Not much difference in towing capacity between the 2 Subarus. Not sure if that is an engine issue or a chassis issue. My understanding from Internet reading and neighbor who owns an import auto service clinic is transmission determines the towing capacity for most vehicles these Subarus. CVT in the 4cyl and a light 5 speed in the 6 cyl. No CVT in a car I'm aware of has a high towing capacity. I know my gen 3 4Runner has a 5000 lb tow capacity because of the particular clutch and transmission even though it has a 184 HP engine. Subaru enthusiasts and experts I know say the symmetric AWD system is heavy compared to other systems, and they take a lot of measures to keep the cars light. I looked at VWs and Audis and think both the Outbacks are about 500 pounds lighter and with more rear carry space which is really important for me. A mechanic friend said the 4000 lb plus vehicles usually have transmissions with more towing capacity. Regular fuel is another attraction. Associates with 2010 - 2012 Outbacks get 27 - 28 mpg for same metro driving I do and 31 - 33 on highway. The 2013 with new engine is rated 2 MPG higher by EPA so that is really attractive even though boxer 6 engines are very nice. I know the Subaru AWD is among the best if not the best which will help me replace a vehicle with 4x4 and lockers. Still I'm sure there will be times when I'll miss a manual trans, electric lockers, foot of clearance and m + s tires.
|
|
|
Post by Holy Schist on Aug 27, 2012 20:07:22 GMT -5
You wanna play in 4X4 and tow the others out of the ditch? Nice, I had a '72 with 350. I remember the time I had to change the fuel pump with it stuck over a running stream of water in a snow storm. It died at the curb and gutter going in the driveway! Other memories were cutting the cardboard to cover the holes in floor which were extra cooling in summer. To some degree I want to retire from towing because I've had Jeeps, Macks, Kenworths and 4x4s since 1975. Thanks to the most capable 4x4, I've had 10 years of being the machine operator, trailer puller and guy who gets others unstuck in our trail building organization. A 4 door '67 T-Bird is the only automatic I've ever had. I'll rent a truck when I need one. The Outback is at top of list because of feature set, made in IN, and good reputation. A 5 - 10 MPG boost in fuel milage can be other fun and sticking it to the Saudi's and Hugo Chavez. I haven't done guiding since 2001, and a friend in ID guides with his wife's Outback or his AWD Sienna. P.S. We had other Chevy's of same vintage and your pic is bringing back memories of fixing broken window rollers, changing the bushings for the shift mechanism, and watching them being made in Janesville, WI.
|
|
|
Post by Holy Schist on Aug 27, 2012 20:29:44 GMT -5
Thanks, Herb. Not much difference in towing capacity between the 2 Subarus. Not sure if that is an engine issue or a chassis issue. As I understand it, engine torque, axle ratio and transmissions have a lot to do with determining towing capacity but other factors include cooling and braking capacity. Both Audi engines, by virtue of their forced induction, generate their maximum torque at a lower RPM than the larger Subaru engines and my hunch is that the higher low-end torque has more to do with the greater towing capacity than anything else. Clutch or torque converter still influences the tow capacity a vehicle gets. A Ford I looked at briefly got higher towing capacity with the trailer package and was told that includes transmission cooler and larger radiator. I love low RPM high torque engines. The Kenworth I leased out of just out of college had a high torque NTC 400 and I'd get one with a Cat 3406 when it was getting serviced. I recall 1400+ ft pounds of torque at 1800 RPM. I liked the the sound of them climbing when you'd be blowing on the fire and hear the cylinders firing.
|
|
|
Post by 3quartertime on Aug 27, 2012 20:53:32 GMT -5
Nice, I had a '72 with 350. I remember the time I had to change the fuel pump with it stuck over a running stream of water in a snow storm. It died at the curb and gutter going in the driveway! Other memories were cutting the cardboard to cover the holes in floor which were extra cooling in summer. Did it look anything like this? Man that day sucked...
|
|
|
Post by Holy Schist on Aug 28, 2012 8:36:44 GMT -5
Did it look anything like this? Man that day sucked... I grew up with two scrap yards and a farm. Add that my first two vehicles were '47 and '77 Jeeps so you I could offer plenty of practical advice with chains, straps. One more chuckle with your pickup truck. My wife's offer for 1/2 a new car as about safety. I recall those gas cap locations and surviving much we wouldn't let kids do today. My brother and I still have a 1930 Model A for crude machinery but he went and gave it a perfect ground up restoration which took all the fun away for me. I respect my wife's concerns for safety because her dad would probably have survived if he were in a different vehicle, and the two of us survived a bizarre accident where out of control van left it's path on two wheels hitting us on a frontage road.
|
|
|
Post by naill on Aug 28, 2012 15:58:21 GMT -5
I respect my wife's concerns for safety because her dad would probably have survived if he were in a different vehicle, and the two of us survived a bizarre accident where out of control van left it's path on two wheels hitting us on a frontage road. If you want safety and towing , get an old Suburban....LOL!! The Subys are actually rated pretty safe. Unless you have to, I would keep the Toy for around the place and a Subaru for everyday. I believe in the "boxer" engineering and was a prime reason for the Subaru. I once had a Volkswagen and an '86 BMW RT80 motorcycle. Those engines are made to run.
|
|
|
Post by lindaw on Aug 29, 2012 11:22:07 GMT -5
Looking for a good used car for my daughter. Safety records first. Any suggestions?
|
|
|
Post by thedude on Aug 29, 2012 12:17:30 GMT -5
Looking for a good used car for my daughter. Safety records first. Any suggestions? I would look for a one seater with shielding to prevent cell phone use and texting, preferably with a speed throttler set to about 35 mph max.
|
|
|
Post by naill on Aug 29, 2012 12:37:21 GMT -5
Looking for a good used car for my daughter. Safety records first. Any suggestions? I am going to give my Subaru Forester to my eldest grand daughter in three years when she is 15 and able to get her learners permit.
|
|
|
Post by Holy Schist on Aug 29, 2012 13:01:13 GMT -5
Looking for a good used car for my daughter. Safety records first. Any suggestions? My sister and a friend had the wisdom to get minivans. Safe, practical, and was really handy when two of her kids were at Ohio State at same time. Others look for former fleet sedans like Camry, Taurus, Accord. A work associate's kid was in a head on collision in the Camry and had a broken ankle and wrist at same time the other car had a fatality and serious injury. Some high school facts my wife got pointed to a lot of pickup trucks and SUVs being poor choice for inexperienced drivers because they tend to roll easier, not stop as fast. I tend to believe that because we also did a lot of second guessing on safety when my father in law was killed. Tires are important regardless. Don't skimp on tires. If you look at tests you will see the braking performances is enough to avoid an accident. Previous generation Subaru Forester is a popular one but they carry a price premium relative to the used fleet vehicles. I realized my purchase will also be something my kids will drive and because of that I am rethinking (might get) the high end package that has complete phone integration and camera-based accident avoidance.
|
|
|
Post by herbhunter on Aug 29, 2012 13:38:30 GMT -5
Looking for a good used car for my daughter. Safety records first. Any suggestions? The 2012 Honda CR-V received a good crashworthiness rating by the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety for all the injury categories they assess and would probably fair better in a crash than a sedan compact or mid-size sedan. It also has a good record for reliability, fuel economy and resale value and I think the 2007-2011 models received the same rating.
|
|