Which is a better engine?
Which is a better engine?
Hi yall,we are shopping for a used subaru for my wife. We got 2 good looking cars and we are torn between them, so just looking for more information before we make the big decision.
1. subaru lx 1.8 Litre engine
2. subaru ts-r 2.0 litre engine
Which is the better car/engine and why ??
Thanks.
1. subaru lx 1.8 Litre engine
2. subaru ts-r 2.0 litre engine
Which is the better car/engine and why ??
Thanks.
- Gannon
- Senior Member
- Posts: 4580
- Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 10:00 am
- Location: Bowraville, Mid Nth Coast, NSW
You havent mentioned what model of car, but I will guess they are Imprezas
Both the EJ18 and EJ20 are basically the same engine, just one has slightly less capacity. In some markets the EJ18 had single point fuel injection or a carburettor as opposed to multipoint fuel injection like the EJ20, but mechanically they are the same.
The EJ20 is the pick because it has more power
Both the EJ18 and EJ20 are basically the same engine, just one has slightly less capacity. In some markets the EJ18 had single point fuel injection or a carburettor as opposed to multipoint fuel injection like the EJ20, but mechanically they are the same.
The EJ20 is the pick because it has more power
Current rides: 2016 Mitsubishi Triton GLS & 2004 Forester X
Ongoing Project/Toy: 1987 RX Turbo EA82T, Speeduino ECU, Coil-pack ignition, 440cc Injectors, KONI adjustale front struts, Hybrid L Series/ Liberty AWD 5sp
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Ongoing Project/Toy: 1987 RX Turbo EA82T, Speeduino ECU, Coil-pack ignition, 440cc Injectors, KONI adjustale front struts, Hybrid L Series/ Liberty AWD 5sp
Past rides: 92 L series turbo converted wagon, 83 Leone GL Sedan, 2004 Liberty GT Sedan & 2001 Outback
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They are both legacys , the lx is a 1997 model, am not very sure of the ts-r year.
Thanks for that, will definitely help in the decision we make.
Thanks for that, will definitely help in the decision we make.
Gannon wrote:You havent mentioned what model of car, but I will guess they are Imprezas
Both the EJ18 and EJ20 are basically the same engine, just one has slightly less capacity. In some markets the EJ18 had single point fuel injection or a carburettor as opposed to multipoint fuel injection like the EJ20, but mechanically they are the same.
The EJ20 is the pick because it has more power
I have a 1997 EJ20 in my Forester. Its a much heavier car than an Impreza but I find it pulls it along fine. If both cars are approx equal in condition I'd go the 2.0L.
remember to check when the timing belt has been done. It needs to be done at 100,000kms intervals. At that age prob nearing 200,000kms so will also need water pump, cam/crank seals. Dont ignore the timing belt, if it goes, the pistons smash into the valves up to 100x per sec....pretty good way to write off an engine lol.
This can be used as a bargaining point to bring the price down
remember to check when the timing belt has been done. It needs to be done at 100,000kms intervals. At that age prob nearing 200,000kms so will also need water pump, cam/crank seals. Dont ignore the timing belt, if it goes, the pistons smash into the valves up to 100x per sec....pretty good way to write off an engine lol.
This can be used as a bargaining point to bring the price down

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This is great info, I did not know about the timing belt check, it will be one of the 1st things i ask about the cars, and am sure it will help bring the price down.
Am also leaning towards the 2.0L just because it might have slightly more power.
Thanks
Am also leaning towards the 2.0L just because it might have slightly more power.
Thanks

NachaLuva wrote:I have a 1997 EJ20 in my Forester. Its a much heavier car than an Impreza but I find it pulls it along fine. If both cars are approx equal in condition I'd go the 2.0L.
remember to check when the timing belt has been done. It needs to be done at 100,000kms intervals. At that age prob nearing 200,000kms so will also need water pump, cam/crank seals. Dont ignore the timing belt, if it goes, the pistons smash into the valves up to 100x per sec....pretty good way to write off an engine lol.
This can be used as a bargaining point to bring the price down
- El_Freddo
- Master Member
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If I had an option between the EJ18 or EJ20 I'd be going the EJ20 -> That's sometimes an Aussie thing...
What can happen with the smaller engine is that you can use more fuel due to the smaller (and less powerful engine) having to work harder generally with higher revs. There is a limit of course, go too big and it will naturally drink more even with conservative driving techniques.
The EJ20 is my pic!
Cheers
Bennie
What can happen with the smaller engine is that you can use more fuel due to the smaller (and less powerful engine) having to work harder generally with higher revs. There is a limit of course, go too big and it will naturally drink more even with conservative driving techniques.
The EJ20 is my pic!
Cheers
Bennie
Hi Bennie,
We actually got the EJ20 i will post pics later. i also read somewhere that the ej18 might consume more, which is true from your comment.
Thanks yall , i guess i made the right decision.
Cheers:D
We actually got the EJ20 i will post pics later. i also read somewhere that the ej18 might consume more, which is true from your comment.
Thanks yall , i guess i made the right decision.
Cheers:D
El_Freddo wrote:If I had an option between the EJ18 or EJ20 I'd be going the EJ20 -> That's sometimes an Aussie thing...
What can happen with the smaller engine is that you can use more fuel due to the smaller (and less powerful engine) having to work harder generally with higher revs. There is a limit of course, go too big and it will naturally drink more even with conservative driving techniques.
The EJ20 is my pic!
Cheers
Bennie
- RSR 555
- Elder Member
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The LX 1.8 would probably have been a 2WD car. The TS-R 2.0 is a AWD model, so the economy may have been very similar. I would have also picked the TS-R as this is a higher spec model and has a lot more features.
We need pics
We need pics

You know you are getting old when the candles on your birthday cake start to cost more than the cake itself.
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Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
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Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
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- RSR 555
- Elder Member
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Nice choice.. looks great. 2.0 ltr quad cam non turbo 

You know you are getting old when the candles on your birthday cake start to cost more than the cake itself.
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
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Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals
RSR Performance
Home of the 'MURTAYA' in Oz
Subaru Impreza WRX based Sportscar
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Disclaimer: Not my website but hyperlink here to Subaru workshop manuals