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2013 Subaru Outback

214 messages,  Last post on May 23, 2013 at 1:15 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Outback, Subaru Legacy, Sedan, Wagon

    

Messages Page 1 of 22

#1 of 214 2013 Subura Outback by cincinnati_dan

May 03, 2012 (6:06 pm)

Thanks for the responses I have already received.
 
I read that there will be 3 different types of AWD systems in the 2013 Outback (I think the 2012s, and maybe older Outbacks, have these 3 types as well, but I am not sure). Is one better than the other? Are they all great as far as AWD goes? I will not be doing any serious off-roading. I just want a vehicle that has AWD all the time, for driving on various road conditions. I currently have 4WD (2009 Toyota Tacoma), and I hate it, because I am afraid to engage it when it rains, snows lightly, or when there may be freezing rain, in fear that I will damage the 4WD system.
 
Also, I have not been able to find anything regarding the new FB engine, and how that eliminates head gasket problems. Will the 2012s need a head gasket replacement every so-many miles?
 
I am also afraid of the 2013s because of the new EyeSight Driver-Assist System, and potential problems it may have.
 
Any thoughts on how much more the 2013s will cost? If I can buy a 2012 2.5i Limited now for $29,000, how much will a similar 2013 cost me in a couple of months?
 
Here is what I read on-line about the 3 types of AWD in the Outback:
 
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Three Different Types
 
Subaru offers three different Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems in the 2013 Outback line, each tailored to the type of transmission. In Outback 2.5i models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, the Continuous AWD system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute power a nominal 50/50 front to rear. Slippage at either the front or rear wheels will cause the system to send more power to the opposite wheels.
 
Subaru Outback 2.5i models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT use Active Torque Split AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls power distribution in response to driving conditions and wheel slippage.
 
The Outback 3.6R uses the Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) AWD system with a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. A planetary center differential works with an electronically controlled continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. The VTD system normally sends more power to the rear wheels (45:55) to enhance handling agility, and it can continuously adjust power distribution in response to driving and road conditions.

#2 of 214 Re: 2013 Subura Outback [cincinnati_dan] by rsholland

May 04, 2012 (6:17 am)

Replying to: cincinnati_dan (May 03, 2012 6:06 pm)
They all work well, but the one on the 3.6 is the most sophisticated and the best, so I've been told. In a worst-case traction situation, that would be my choice. Also, by having a slight rearward power bias, it will give you a more rewarding driving experience.
 
Having said that, we've had three 2.5 automatic Subarus with the Active Torque AWD, and they've never let us down. Also, I have a WRX 5-speed with the 50/50 power split viscous coupling AWD; same there, never let me down.
 
Bob

#3 of 214 Different Engine? by carteach

Jun 01, 2012 (5:18 pm)

Is the 4 cylinder engine on the 2013 supposed to be the same as the 2012?

#4 of 214 Re: Different Engine? [carteach] by dcm61

Jun 01, 2012 (7:25 pm)

Replying to: carteach (Jun 01, 2012 5:18 pm)
2012 Outback has EJ25 engine
2013 Outback will have FB25 engine (same as 2011/2012 Forester)
 
The main differences are EJ25 = SOHC w/ timing belt; FB25 = DOHC w/ timing chain.
 
FYI - 2012 Impreza has 2.0L FB20 engine.

#5 of 214 Re: Different Engine? [dcm61] by rsholland

Jun 02, 2012 (5:22 am)

Replying to: dcm61 (Jun 01, 2012 7:25 pm)
Also, the FB25 has a bit more power, especially in low-mid rpm range, where it counts.
 
Bob

#6 of 214 Re: Different Engine? [rsholland] by carteach

Jun 03, 2012 (9:50 pm)

Replying to: rsholland (Jun 02, 2012 5:22 am)
Is this engine supposed to be free of the head gasket problem?

#7 of 214 Re: Different Engine? [carteach] by rsholland

Jun 04, 2012 (7:01 am)

Replying to: carteach (Jun 03, 2012 9:50 pm)
The FB25 is a completely new engine, so there's no reason to assume that old problem remains.
 
Bob

#8 of 214 Re: Different Engine? [rsholland] by xwesx

Jun 04, 2012 (9:42 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Jun 04, 2012 7:01 am)
Indeed, and I'm surprised that the assumed elimination of this problem wasn't at the top of the list in terms of the differences between the EJ and FB blocks!
 
I'm wondering if any of the hosts would be willing to correct the thread title to "Subaru" from "Subura?"

#9 of 214 Re: Different Engine? [carteach] by ateixeira

Jun 04, 2012 (10:08 am)

Replying to: carteach (Jun 03, 2012 9:50 pm)
free of the head gasket problem?
 
More specifically, will coolant ever leak from the head gasket, internally or externally?
 
Simple answer - not possible The coolant no longer even flows through the gaskets! The heads and block have different lines to cool them.
 
So nope.

#10 of 214 Re: Different Engine? [xwesx] by kcram HOST

Jun 04, 2012 (7:49 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Jun 04, 2012 9:42 am)
Typo repaired
 
kcram - Pickups/Wagons/Vans+Minivans Host

Messages Page 1 of 22

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