Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
has an appropriate amount of power for driving the car reasonably in inclement conditions; ie, getting the higher HP option isn't generally much benefit when you're driving on slick surfaces. It's benefit is when you're on dry stuff and can take advantage of the power/handling.
Even pulling the mountain grades in Colorado, the 2.5 is sufficient to exceed the speed limits almost everywhere if you remember to downshift for the climbs.
ie, getting the higher HP option isn't generally much benefit when you're driving on slick surfaces. It's benefit is when you're on dry stuff and can take advantage of the power/handling.
I have an 04' XT with the 5sp manual. With studded snow tires that wagon can accelerate at full throttle in any gear passed 1st on packed powder. You do have to pay attention to keep it pointed in the right direction though (at least in 2nd).
Passing the ubiquitous Honda civic with bald tires was never so easy.
My sister has a Forester with a 2.5 and it seems adequate for normal day to day driving. What in your view constitutes enough engine as the term can mean different things to different people.
It's going to be a kid hauler, but we move a lot and could end up in the Colorado Springs area so I wanted to have enough juice to make it up grades with a decent load (family of four and luggage).
The 2.5 has a CVT (it's that or manual, and although I do like standards, they aren't my favorite when it comes to sitting in a lot of traffic), so no real ability to downshift for grades.
IMHO - High altitude means big motor or supercharging. Down here near seal level the 2.5 in my old Outback Wagon is good enough in the dry and more than enough in the snow. Don't forget to put good snow tires on all four wheels.
What type of power are you looking for? I don't think the Forester is capable of hauling RVs. If you're looking for torque, it has some and not going to beat cars with 200HP+ but it's good enough for most situations. I'm driving a Prius with under 140HP and beating people at the red light not because of power but because of my reaction time.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
