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Subaru Baja Turbo or Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab? - READ ONLY

32 messages,  Last post on Jun 26, 2003 at 7:27 PM

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What is this discussion about? Subaru Baja, Toyota Tacoma, Exterior, Engine, Interior, Truck

Messages Page 3 of 4

#13 of 32 Yep by kg11

Jun 13, 2003 (6:35 pm)

The decision has clearly been made right from the start.Jim appears to be looking for approval for buying something that most people wouldn't do.
 
Here's the hitch Jim.If people approved of towing a 2400 lb trailer with a Subaru,you'd see them doing it.

#14 of 32 Drove a new Forester turbo yesterday by rsholland

Jun 14, 2003 (7:06 am)

It has the same engine as the upcoming Baja turbo. The power is great, and easy to live with. The one I drove was a 5-speed, and running through the gears, you're at 80 mph very quickly. There's no turbo lag, and it feels a lot like a big V8 in the delivery of power.
 
Bob

#15 of 32 What about gearing?? by saddaddy

Jun 16, 2003 (4:37 pm)

#16 of 32 ? by rsholland

Jun 16, 2003 (5:07 pm)

Not sure what your asking? The gearing seemed fine to me.
 
Bob

#17 of 32 I mean by saddaddy

Jun 16, 2003 (6:05 pm)

as far as towing goes, gearing is another reason why a tacoma should be able to tow more than a minivan or sedan with similar power numbers -- gearing.

#18 of 32 Towing by rsholland

Jun 17, 2003 (4:26 am)

Well a whole lot of factors come into play when it comes to tow ratings, not just horsepower. I'm pretty sure Subaru has not increased its towing capacity for the XT.
 
Having said that, I would say yes, the XT would probably be easier to tow with because of the increased power, especially down low.
 
One thing you may not be aware of, the Forester has a higher tow rating with the manual 5-speed (2400), than it does with the automatic (2000). It may be due to the extra gear and the Hill-Holder clutch, but I'm not sure. In any case, if you don't have trailer brakes, you can't tow over 1000 pounds with any Subaru or Toyota (including Land Cruiser, Tundra or Sequoia).
 
Bob

#19 of 32 No, not yet decided by jimqpublic

Jun 17, 2003 (8:47 am)

I didn't mean to make it seem like the decision has been made; it hasn't. The capabilities of the Tacoma are pretty well known so I didn't feel the need to elaborate on it.
 
I won't commit to buying a Baja until I see the spec's on the actual production model. The Turbo model will have a different transmission from the current automatic and the suspension is going to be revised for 2004. I hadn't thought of the fact that the addition of a turbocharger might lower or eliminate the tow capacity. On the 2 liter turbo WRX models the tow rating is the same as the 2.5 liter non-turbo Impreza; OTOH the 2.5 liter turbo STI is not recommended for towing.
 
The odd thing on Subaru tow ratings is that their manual transmission models are now rated somewhat higher (2400 vs. 2000) than the automatic, but no mention of a required automatic transmission fluid cooler for towing. Most brands have much higher ratings for automatic vs. stick but they always require a cooler.
 
-Tow rating- I need 2400 available with a fully loaded tow vehicle. Generally Subaru tow ratings assume the vehicle is loaded to GVWR, (including tongue weight).
-Tongue weight rating- I'd like to see at least 240.
-GVWR and payload capacity- To handle passengers, bikes on the roof, some light stuff in the bed plus the tongue weight the total carrying capacity needs to be about 1000 pounds. I've seen different values for the 2003 model ranging from 800 to 1050 pounds net carrying capacity.
 
It will be September before the new Baja model is actually available so if I haven't bought a new vehicle by then I will check it out.
 
Thanks for the input.
Jim

#20 of 32 Jim by rsholland

Jun 17, 2003 (9:03 am)

The odd thing on Subaru tow ratings is that their manual transmission models are now rated somewhat higher (2400 vs. 2000) than the automatic,
 
That's only true for the Forester. It might(?) have something to do with the fact that the Forester 5-speed has a Hill-Holder clutch, and an extra gear. All '03 Bajas are rated at 2400 pounds for braked trailers. Also '03 H-6 Outbacks are also now rated at 2400 pounds.
 
Bob

#21 of 32 rsholland by saddaddy

Jun 17, 2003 (2:17 pm)

Have you read the owners manuals for all those Toyota trucks you just cited? Your profile shows no ownership of a Toyota vehicle. Just wondering???
 
My manual says no such thing. Where are you getting this?

#22 of 32 saddaddy What was the question? by jimqpublic

Jun 17, 2003 (4:16 pm)

I'm not sure what your last question was about. I do have a Toyota but it's a 1989, now listed in my profile. It has an interesting list of tow ratings:
 
2000 pounds maximum Automatic without tow package.
3500 pounds maximum Manual transmission.
5000 pounds maximum Automatic with tow package.
 
 I assume the tow package is probably at least a transmission fluid cooler, possibly different fan clutch, possibly different thermostat, maybe more?
 
Jim

Messages Page 3 of 4

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