2009 Subaru Forester vs. 1998 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2009 Subaru Forester is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Subaru Impreza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Subaru Impreza would be higher. At 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Forester (225 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1998 Subaru Impreza. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1998 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Forester weights approximately 291 kg more than 1998 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Subaru Forester (306 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Subaru Impreza. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Subaru Impreza. 2009 Subaru Forester has automatic transmission and 1998 Subaru Impreza has manual transmission. 1998 Subaru Impreza will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Subaru Forester | 1998 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Subaru | Subaru |
| Model | Forester | Impreza |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1144 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2530 mm |
