Subaru Off Road Comparison: OLD SCHOOL versus NEW SCHOOL

This was a fun day.
2005 Subaru Outback XT 5EAT VLSD
2017 Subaru Outback 3.6 CVT X Mode
Both have skid plates, 2" lift, and larger AT tires.

[@lushanyue8761]

the 3rd gerenaration outback is the most beautiful car that subaru had made.

[@bruceyyyyy]

Think I'll agree with that!

[@lushanyue8761]

@@bruceyyyyy I still keep a 2006 outback,

[@akirafromwiisports5096]

I use to have an 07 LL Bean edition. Best car I ever owned.

[@revive0the0alive]

Yeah the frameless doors kept the older design of the 1990s, yet the magnified lens headlights and airbags galore kept it modern too! Best of both worlds. I agree the best looking era..... especially the 2008 & 2009 models, when they updated the headlights and taillights!

[@jchrizzy6995]

I'm more of a gen 2 guy, it's got a big 'ol dump truck ass and I like that. The gen 3 is good too tho - I have a gen 2 and a gen 4 tho and I hate the feel of the gen 4 (the center of gravity feels high)

[@jasondonnelly6966]

Nice vid and great trails. They look very similar to the trails here in NJ. Same type of terrain. From what I've seen the CVT can hold it's own no doubt. I was one of those guys thinking they wouldn't but my father's Crosstrek can handle all the trails my 99 outback can and he gets better MPG

[@maciejjanuszewski7713]

Old one looks much better :)

[@oldies1831]

Maciej Januszewski I have a diamond grey automatic 09 outback just tinted the fuck out and Scratches and all I love her yo death and will hopefully drive it into the ground. Thooooooo maybe in 5 years I’ll want a 2020 Outback XT or something with a little bit of a turbo. Don’t know why I’m rambling yo you but Outback for life.

[@vicpeace7429]

Sure

[@danielmateo9978]

we love yours video. From Spain.

[@bruceyyyyy]

This made the wife and I's day. Thank you!

[@shughes911]

Hey Man U ride looks great! Very off road worthy! However have you consider a bumper guard?

[@VerityGuy04]

Why is this satisfying

[@porsche558]

Awesome video! So one annoying thing I see with the KZbin “arm chair experts” is all the complaints that the new Subaru AWD system is terrible and doesn’t hold up to the old system due to a lack of a rear limited slip diff. I’ve owned a 2001 Outback with the cold weather package which came with a limited slip rear diff and a few other things like heated seats. I remember driving that car though some harsh New England winters and I also did some off roading. It always did well even with all season tires. Now I have a 2015 Outback 3.6r which, not only handles way better than my old Outback but, it’s tons more powerful, faster, and way better in the snow and off road. Of course there is the other common complaint from the people who think they know everything, and that is that the CVT is going to ruin the world. I remember the 4 speed auto and the newer 5 speed auto transmissions in Subarus. They were both good for the time but as they got older the shifting became more and more noticeable. Also the old 4 speed always put itself in the highest gear possible which sucked for climbing up hills or for accelerating even on flat roads. With the CVT I don’t feel the shifting which makes it way more smooth than even a brand new Mercedes or another luxury car. I have some friends with Mercedes, Audi, and Lexus cars and SUVs and they all agree that the Outback rides a lot smoother. I’ve learned that you can’t fix stupid and unfortunately as there seems to be way more stupids than smarts the CVT may well go away in the near future due to the constant unfounded complaining of auto journalists and people who parrot auto journalists.

[@muiruri_ke]

Right on point. CVT transmission is very smooth compared to all transmissions I have seen over the years. And I have been around for quite a while. Back in the days most of swore never to drive a vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission. See where the world is right now. People will eventually come around.

[@porsche558]

@@muiruri_ke I love manual cars and I used to avoid buying autos. I'm so happy with this CVT that I would hesitate to buy another Subaru with one.

[@marinusmourik9494]

Completely agree with you,I'm always surprised how stupid the "professionals"are. In my opinion the best gearbox ever built and in combination with an Outback a very good combo .

[@lockandloadlikehell]

Jesus Christ the 2014 CVTs on the outback and Forester were way slower than my 5500 lb V8 truck

[@bruceyyyyy]

I mean most vehicles on the road are probably slower than a baby V8 3 ton vehicle. I'm not sure that's a good metric.

[@BatmanLovesRockNRoll]

I had the exact same gen 3 outback, same color. I got mine stuck and this video gave me more anxiety than I expected. Thanks for reaffirming my choice in upgrading from that thing

[@adventurepastor8195]

What did you upgrade to?

[@BatmanLovesRockNRoll]

@@adventurepastor8195 A new crosstrek lol

[@J.Young808]

I have the 2005 OBXT manual with Methods and Falken AT tires sized 225/60R17, I believe I may only have a 1-1.25” lift, so I get some nice front mudflaps rubbing

[@drewkg5928]

Bruceyyyyy I’m new to your videos and I love them ! I’m in Oklahoma and have an 06 outback llbean 3.0r with an auto slap stick 5 speed . And take my little girls trailing and we go to the river and find spots to camp away from everyone else anyways , is this car worth me putting off road tires and a lift on . I hear you say on one of these videos that the llbean versions might not be as capable and it worries me did I hear that wrong or what should I do thank you for everything !!🤘

[@bruceyyyyy]

The beans are great! Your generation LL Bean came standard with VDC which is a huge help off road. Before buying anything I would take it on some paths you plan to go on and see what you feel is lacking. A 2" lift, skid plates, and AT tires will just about max out the capabilities of the car.

[@drewkg5928]

bruceyyyyy thank you for the reply !!!!! Can’t wait for the next video

[@eldorado5650]

Good comparison. I enjoy your videos .Is your CVT oil-cooled? Cheers.

[@bruceyyyyy]

There are 3 coolers from the factory. One in the radiator, a fluid to coolant exchanger, and a air to fluid exchanger in front of the radiator. I added an additional air to fluid auxiliary cooler in series with the factory one.

[@darkjord5823]

@@bruceyyyyy you ever have to kick on the auxiliary cooler?

[@bruceyyyyy]

@@darkjord5823 It's plumbed so that it's always running.

[@Flying_GC]

Cool vid mate I'm looking at an 04-06 6cyl outback for a work hack either JDM or NZDM model, any easy way tell what has VDC- first time dealing with Subies. Cheers

[@bruceyyyyy]

In the US it would have a VDC badge on it.

[@jameszettelmeyer291]

Hey man! Did you ever get the vibrations solved after the lift on your 5th gen?

[@bruceyyyyy]

Yeah the CKE insert fixed.

[@teufelboxxx]

03:55 explains everything

[@phanselion]

hahaha totally my thoughts hahaaha

[@FIRST465]

Thats what I said as well

[@mr.d7429]

What did you do on your window chromes to black that out? Sick subbies though!

[@bruceyyyyy]

I used vinyl tape. I have a video on how to do it.

[@thomaspride5618]

i have a 2012 legacy and I'm near bull run here in Preston county i took it all the way down and back up it took it like a champ

[@bruceyyyyy]

That's awesome man! Did you make it to the hub cap camp too?

[@tituskiragu1]

Great video! Wondering what A/T tires are on the 2005 outback? Looking for different alternatives to fit on mine? Any response much appreciated!

[@bruceyyyyy]

He had Wrangler SR-A 215/65/17 Hope it helps!

[@nathanstreet9885]

@@bruceyyyyy Any chance if you know if he had a lift to fit those? Cheers

[@bruceyyyyy]

@@nathanstreet9885 I know he had a 2"lift.

[@daniellane753]

And this is why Subaru makes the forester. Other than that. Had a great experience. Thanks for sharing.

[@bruceyyyyy]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrGenerichead]

Where in Virginia are you doing this?

[@TheDeathlyBullet]

My dad had a 2000 forester manual 2.0l in norway and he drove everywhere with it. and now he has a automatic 2006 and i have a 2006 manual one. And i get further. cuz low range gear box

[@halflife103]

There are now Torq lockers for older subies now.

[@bruceyyyyy]

Yup! They work great based on what I've seen.

[@traviscollins3249]

I realize I’m bumping an old video, but how does the “old” AWD systems compare to today? Were the older systems more of a 4low?

[@bruceyyyyy]

Pretty much the same system. MPT AWD is used in most Subaru.

[@rockymountboy]

Could the rear LSD in the 2005 been "worn out", or the fluid not been changed recently? I don't know what the expected life of good LSD operation is in those, or how much proper maintenance plays a factor. Do you know if the rear LSD in the 2005 Outback the same as in the 2002 Impreza?

[@bruceyyyyy]

They're all viscous units I believe which do wear out quickly. However I'm my experience even new they don't work well. It only worked in this video once and even then briefly. If you want to be sure you can swap in a locker which is now available.

[@alienlivingform]

@@bruceyyyyy I think they are meant more for mud or snow. Even when new they don't lock enough to diagonally disperse power like in the situation in the video.

[@kelvinmutai5552]

It's essentially assessing AWD against a 4WD test. It's interesting for sure, but if this is what you Wana be doing, you should go for a proper off-roader; a full 4WD (centre locking diff, low torque range etc).

[@ninjarudeboy]

I'm a bit skeptical about the performance of the 3rd gen outback. Perhaps worn out diff and/or tire choice? The 3.6r 5EAT legacy that did hell's revenge was in several similar situations without traction issues. But i'd honestly love to see a new school CVT subie do that same trail for comparison. MOAB summer meet? =)

[@bruceyyyyy]

It had new ATs on. This being an 05 it doesn't have VDC. That Legacy that did Moab had VDC. I've never been impressed with the rear VLSD units Subaru uses. All that combined means really it wheels about the same as my 2000 did. Great until there is a wheel in the air. If I had one and planned to keep it I would definitely go for a Torq Locker or similar. The VTD center is definitely preferred too. There is another video where mine and a 99 Forester both seem to over heat the MPT center.

[@ninjarudeboy]

@@bruceyyyyy i was always under the impression that all 5EATs were VDT and VDC. Can you clarify if the 4th gen 3.6r 5eat is both vtd/vdc? While we're at it, maybe you can tell me which rear diff I have so I know which locker kit to start looking at. Thanks for the info!

[@bruceyyyyy]

@@ninjarudeboy All 5EAT were VTD but not all VTD were VDC. I believe all 4th Gen Outback were VDC. I'm not sure on the rear diff. I believe they were 1 bolt models. But more 100 percent sure.

[@ninjarudeboy]

@@bruceyyyyy thanks for clarifying!

[@seanpak9934]

What is the tire size on your old outback? You said you mounted a 5% bigger one than the original one. This information would be very helpful for me to choose a tire for my outback. Thx in advance!

[@bruceyyyyy]

Which one? There are two here.

[@seanpak9934]

@@bruceyyyyy I am referring to your "old" school. It looks 2005-9 outback model.

[@bruceyyyyy]

225/65/17

[@seanpak9934]

@@bruceyyyyy Thank you so much!! One more plz. With this size, did you cut some of the front fender bottom or? Or did this size turn well without contact to fender?

[@NsertGenericUsername]

You have to know how to drive. My stock 2001 Forrester would go right past stuck trucks if you choose a good path. Just had to avoid high spots that trucks dug out by spinning their tires

[@johyyyjohyyy]

2005 XT its whitout VTD ? :-o I have 2005 H6 whit VTD - VTD its awesome !

[@bradhazard4118]

It is a VTD car. All 5eat are.

[@carrefourcn]

Me too love my H6 VTD

[@bikerbud3903]

I'm looking at buying a 2008 outback with under 50k miles on it. Its a 2.5 Auto. The head gasket issue with these and other complaints I've read have me hesitant. Our my concerns justified? Ir is a One owner, clean carfax, dealer maintained. Seems people following your channel know a lot about these cars. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[@bruceyyyyy]

I would get it but plan on having the head gasket and timing belt done. At that low mileage it likely hasn't had it done but the age of the belt is pretty high.

[@bikerbud3903]

@@bruceyyyyy I understand having timing belt done because of age , not mileage. But are you saying do the head gaskets right away also or wait till they start leaking? Any idea of cost to replace HGs on '08/2.5? Thanks in advance

[@bruceyyyyy]

@@bikerbud3903 If they haven't been done I would say yes. I've seen 2.5 08 head gaskets fail as early as 75k.

[@meh11235]

Would love to see the older car on proper tires... Dreaming of a new Outback... 3.6...Turbo

[@bruceyyyyy]

3.6 is old now ): They aren't made anymore.

[@meh11235]

@@bruceyyyyy that's my point...

[@bruceyyyyy]

My apologies. I can be dense. (:

[@KClife9]

My 2005 was the badass off roader. It would keep up with the tacomas

[@MacelleriaMarsilli]

That old Gen hasn't vdc right? I've seen many old outback doing great with vdc

[@bruceyyyyy]

No VDC just VTD and VLSD.

[@magnussamuelsson8443]

@@bruceyyyyy whats the difference? i wanna learn these things

[@bruceygastation3139]

@@magnussamuelsson8443 Oh man there is a lot to unpack there. VLSD is the Viscous Limited Slip Subaru uses. Seen in many cars since 2000. Typically bundled with the cold weather package. Unlike a mechanical LSD the viscous unit uses a special type of fluid that gets more viscous (think sticky) as it heats up and can transfer power to the opposite wheel with enough slip. These units also have a short life span. Remember my cousin Vinny? There was a plot point where the car spun both rear wheels because it had "posi lock" although that's just a trademarked name for a limited slip. The VLSD Subaru uses isn't as robust since there isn't a mechanical / clutched connection like shown but it can still help out on side to side wheel spin as briefly shown here on the 05. VTD is the center diff. Not technically a diff but whatever lets call it that to be simple. Most Automatic Subaru 1990-present use an MPT set up where it powers the front wheels 90 percent of the time and the rear wheels 10 percent of the time. VTD systems differ because it's a mechanical connection instead of a wet clutch in the MPT system. They power the front wheels 45 percent and the rear 55 percent by default. They can power 50/50 if needed. VDC is vehicle dynamics control which uses Yaw, ABS, speed, computer sensors, and steering input to keep the nose of the vehicle pointing where the driver is trying to go by braking individual wheels. Think like on a sled if you pull a brake on one side it can turn. The car is doing that with the individual wheels. It also helps to some degree off road because the wheels that would otherwise be spinning can lock and send power to the other wheel. This effect is shown on my 17 when one of the wheels is in the air. Subaru has a more aggressive computer setting for VDC called X Mode where it knows it's going to get wheels in the air and responds quicker as a result although standard VDC cars should do it. Simple right?

[@datod.d.ddavituliani944]

@@bruceygastation3139 I have 2015 forester premium without xmode which is better?

[@93imprezaAWD]

Hey i live in hampton roads area where are these trails at?

[@bruceyyyyy]

These are in West Virginia. I just realized I said East Virginia when editing.

[@m1cajah]

bruceyyyyy Near Ohio, KY, or TN? Nothing like that in the Eastern Panhandle (that I know of?).

[@bruceyyyyy]

Morgantown

[@trickalister4165]

Where did you get the lift for your gen 3?

[@bruceyyyyy]

Both of them are from ADF.

[@ArmandoSanchez-ob3dd]

What's the lift size in the 3rd gen

[@bruceyyyyy]

2"

[@TishaHayes]

I have a 2007 and know what its like when one wheel lifts off like that and just spins. I am looking forward to a sixth gen 2020 in a few months.

[@bruceyyyyy]

Are you getting an Onyx XT?

[@Constipatedoverlord]

@@bruceyyyyy it looks to be the best option for my taste, im definitely looking forward to it

[@dub537h5]

Plus 2 sized tires and 5% larger tires? Where are you getting these figures from? Just give us the actual sizes lol

[@bruceyyyyy]

They're different sizes from the factory so I wanted to use a more standardized measurement. The Gen 5 runs 245/65/17 (225/65/17 stock) The Gen 3 runs 225/65/17 (225/55/17 stock)

[@dub537h5]

@@bruceyyyyy ok great! That's what I was wondering. I knew the newer cars ran larger sizes. How much difference in clearance is there between the factory size and your larger ones on each?

[@bruceyyyyy]

@@dub537h5 Very very tight. With 2" lift mine rubs on hard braking and turning.

[@albumreviews11]

Add 3 inch lift and remove sway bars when offroading

[@user-vd1lr2tp3j]

These aee really good cars and Dont blame the car..is the person behind the wheel

[@dreadswizzard9142]

Needs a locking diff.

[@Grabyourshoes]

Why "slick" tires on the trail.. ?

[@bruceyyyyy]

They both had All Terrains?

[@joshwilcox8941]

What winch mount are you running

[@bruceyyyyy]

It's a custom one. I have a video on it though.

[@joshwilcox8941]

Perfect,! I'll check it out! Thank you thank you thank you!

[@gavipk]

cvt making that burning smell :)

[@teerowel]

I thought subarus were supposed to have AWD controlled by a computer. Why would the rear wheel spin so much without the other tires picking up the load?

[@noxt.111]

I’m wondering the same

[@josiahsmith1682]

my like goes to the "hood scoop" comment thank you for that

[@honeyforslug2hardware.072]

Bring the Baja out to play >:(

[@bruceyyyyy]

We brought it out the video after this one!

[@kats1978]

Wow! This is like a soccer mom who can actually know how to play soccer like professional. Did not know wagon can do this!!

[@bruceyyyyy]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@hillboy582]

Old school just needs a better tire combination

[@bruceyyyyy]

I'm not sure how much the tires effect performance even they're not in contact with the ground.

[@jccars9400]

Not a fair comparison. The 3rd gen outback definitely doesn't have the right tires for offroad.

[@bruceyyyyy]

They're AT tires?

[@rite2beararms]

Its just fine for a comparison. The 3rd gen is definitely more "car" oriented. It's best to go for one if you want more of the family truxter meets rally concept. Now take these two to the curvy gravel road and watch the new OB get stomped!

[@meh11235]

Falken Wildpeak on 2.5 turbo will solve most problems

[@leo-a-h-g]

The older one is a fourth gen?!

[@leo-a-h-g]

Its a BP Outback (or did you missed out on a generation in the USA?)

[@UnWePtTrAx2]

Not a fair comparison whatsoever. The 3.6 has higher torque in the low end which is ideal for trail climbing. Of course it will beat out the 2.5. Compare the 2017 to the 2005 3.6L and the "new school" will get slapped.

[@bruceyyyyy]

The 2.5 is rated at similar torque and HP. Turbo model. The 2005 didn't have a 3.6 only a 3.0.

[@UnWePtTrAx2]

@@bruceyyyyy Torque numbers are not an apples to apples comparison. Most of the 2.5 XT's torque is unlocked in the higher rev range while the opposite is true for the 3.6R (low end). Comparing a turbocharged engine to a one with higher displacement on a trail is brainless. Low end torque is what separates most "trail rated" vehicles. Therefore this comparison is pointless. Thanks for coming to my TED talk.

[@bruceyyyyy]

@@UnWePtTrAx2 You still didn't address the 3.6 wasn't available in an Outback until 2010.

[@UnWePtTrAx2]

@@bruceyyyyy You're absolutely right, my mistake. I currently own the 2006 3.0R and the 2005 2.5 XT.

[@UnWePtTrAx2]

Even with a larger engine displacement the newer outback would still get slapped. Hard.

[@samuelgitari529]

Your 3rd gen Outback has a transmission issue. Your gearbox has a problem!!!!

[@johnx911]

I smell rubber...going smell more than that if you keep putting on the brakes every time hear slipping noise

[@chaostoasty]

I always feel weird when people say new school

[@crazyDIYguy]

5EAT's suck, I trust the 4EAT's way more on the non turbos and the manuals. 💯

[@johnlove9089]

Older one has regular tires that's why it slip

[@bruceyyyyy]

All Terrains

[@joshlowman687]

@@bruceyyyyy if those were ats then they were some of the worst ats I’ve ever seen. Looked like no side lugs and Hwy tread

[@bradleyjones5932]

a 03 H6 VDC auto would have been a better comparo

[@bruceyyyyy]

Why?

[@bradleyjones5932]

@@bruceyyyyy , because a auto V stick shift is like apples V oranges , dont get me wrong still a great vid,

[@bruceyyyyy]

One of us might have said 5 speed but this was referring to the 5EAT automatic transmission used by Subaru on the Turbo cars. Neither car was a manual. They were both automatics. Although the wife has a 2006 H6 4EAT VDC Baja we could compare. (:

[@davehansford4888]

This is about the difference between drivers, not cars

[@bruceyyyyy]

How do you figure?

[@fazedishwasher148]

tbh the new ine had mud tires and the old one didn't

[@tribunation]

Omg that cackle. 👎 Someone needs to learn how to drive the gen 3.

[@John-Adam]

Im a forester guy

[@krypticmac]

i love watching brad fail

[@randomautonomousdronepilot3384]

Who laughs like that. Seriously

[@bruceyyyyy]

People with a sense of humor.

[@sledgehammer6239]

My Nokia 2280 has been smashed by the hammer of Thor. Still works fine.