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it's the radio. I swapped mine and it was dramatic how much better it sounded. So much so, I didn't ever get around to putting the $2k worth of aftermarket gear in.

From what I've read there's a pretty big performance hit compared to the outgoing 2.5L engine. Any thoughts on that?

ResidentR wrote:From what I've read there's a pretty big performance hit compared to the outgoing 2.5L engine. Any thoughts on that?

Most write-ups I've read put the new and outgoing at models nearly identical performance wise.

2012 is 148HP @ 6,200 rpm, torque 145lb-ft @4200 rpm.

2011 it was 170@6000rpm, 170torque@4400rpm.

2012 is 110 pounds lighter than the 2011 models.
The new CVT actually outprforms the old 4EAT: 0-60 in 9.8 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the 2011 w/ 4EAT based on on autoblogs test.

I have not seen a head to head comparo between the manuals. I would suspect the 2.5 to be quicker. But my suspicions are not by much.

There are two situations that you need to consider with against the hp. The first is the one that everyone knows and that's power to weight ratio which most affects the 0-60 sprint. Sure the 2012 lighter, but 110 pounds on a ton and half vehicle is barely noticeable (though commendable). The 2012 is 11% down on power, but 3% down on weight, so all told it should be a little slower to 60 all other things equal. Now the second that hardly anyone talks about is power to air resistance ratio which affects your acceleration at highway speeds and beyond. If the new impreza is much more aerodynamic than the outgoing model then it'll be just as fast or faster at highway speeds than the outgoing model. Given their stated highway MPG my guess is the new model is much more efficient aerodynamically than the current model.

As far as my butt-dyno goes the new Impreza feels like it has 195 hp/tq. Everytime I drive it, I snap my neck back the first time I hit the gas.
HP and TQ might be down but in an Impreza does it really matter? If you are after performance get a WRX/STi. If you are after mileage then get an Impreza. The people buying Impreza's have yet to ask me about 0-60 or 1/4 mile times.

I have only driven my wifes fir a short distance but, the gas pedal is touchy and will snap your neck back. As far a MPGs...my wife is getting 24mpg city. Should go up with warmer temps and less shitty winter gas!

I like the imprezza I reallydo especially in hatch form however I need something that I can put ''Lady" my 75 pound doberman in and that doesnet work in that car so I am probably gonna get another forester or posibly the outback ( base modle)

I noticed the other day that the plastic inlet to the air fiter seems to be designed to get air from the front grill, but the platic is not cut out to allow air to flow. Whats up with this?

If you look directly in front of the scoop there are 7 holes above the radiator.

I think they did this because we don't have the snorkus or maze of piping that is on the older Impreza Models. The scoop hooks directly to the airbox/filter.

Edit: Matt, didn't see your post before I put mine up, I meant OP not you when I said "you"
So that people will spend the extra money for the mesh grill inserts?
I didn't believe you at first, but looks pretty blocked off in this shot.
Which is weird because the bottom of the grill is open and you can see the radiator.

The Sport Grille is also blocked off. It pulls air in from the grille opening under the Suby badge just like the one above.