Is A Brand New 2020 Subaru Outback Better Than An Old Subaru Off-Road? This 42-Year-Old DL Says No!
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- čas přidán 19. 08. 2020
- ( midlandusa.com ) Thanks to Midland Radio for our comms solution! Subaru makes big marketing claims with their new 2020 Subaru Outback. But does the car actually perform as advertised? In this video we put the new 2020 Subaru Outback to the test off-road to see how the latest Subaru station wagon performs in the dirt and rocks. Is it actually better off-road than a rusty and worn out 1978 DL? In this video we find out!
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#Subaru #Outback - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Man I love that old Subie!!! So down to earth and practical!! Great video guys!!! Thanks for the upload!!!
I'm glad you added that comment about Claire giving permission... all I could think of while watching this was... OMG it's a Turo rental!
I love it that you guys have brands that don’t want to loan you cars(Subaru) and/or are mad at you guys(Ford). I means you are doing it right, keep it going.
Yeah, but that gets very expensive buying a new car just to test it, (e.g. Tesla).
What's Ford mad at them for? Last I knew people were accusing TFL of being biased in favor of Ford.
Steven They didn’t like that TFL showed leaked pictures of the Bronco interior. Don’t like the leaks? Tight the ship up. Oh and I own a Ford so nothing against the products.
@@ivannarvaez367 I hadn't heard about that. There have been so many leaks from inside Ford I was starting to think that was a marketing technique to build hype 😆
Next video: "Why TFL has been banned from Turo!"
Hello Turo, We need to rent some soccer mom's car and take it out off roading... Whatcha got?
After all these years, they are still using XMode with Traction Control. 🤦🏻♂️
That old Subaru is pretty dope. Like that blue paint.
Driving it around Colorado in 2020, you would have to be nuts. It'd be okay around some flat rural low traffic area of say Kansas. But Colorado, Arizona 60hp in 2020 is beyond obsolete. Suicidal even. Lets be real. You need to trailer it until you get to the trail.
I had a 1977 that looked almost identical with exactly the same color, but sadly only 2wd. It never let me down, but they were really prone to rust. That was 30 years ago... I'm surprised to see one in such nice condition still around.
They perfected those older Subarus when the introduced the low range, It sure helped overcome the underpowered engine.
A friend had a Forester which had low ratio and all terrain tires and it was quite good offroad.
I had an 81' 2dr. Hatchback that came with the 1600cc and hi/low 4wd . It was amazing offroad
@@clooperman3745 I had a 01 subaru for a while and always wanted one with the low range. Just felt like I had to constantly burn the clutch to do anything that required a little bit of power and had to take it slow.
I bet if Subaru started making a cheep, bare bones throw back wagon like the DL, it would sell like crazy.
It can't, too many government regulations prevent a car like that ever being made again, at least in this country
I like the mechanical simplicity and easy maneuverability of the old one, but you can’t argue the safety and comfort of late model cars and trucks.
Make it a thing. Classic Mustang v new Mustang, classic Dart v new Dart, classic C10 v Silverado and so on...
Agreed. I like the idea.
Tommy: "Edit that out, Alex..."
Alex: No.
😂
Tommy: “was that full throttle?” Andrey: “yeah”. Andrey: “ok, hold on” Andrey: “There it is, more full throttle”. Andrey needs to teach everyone what “more full throttle” is, I always thought full throttle only had one mode.
If you dent the floorpans with the accelerator you have it at more full throttle. 😁
@@morilot that's hillarious
Lmao
Take out the floor mats for extra horsepowers.
“I took like 25 years off the clutch” lmao
Maybe learn to drive manual ... Loll
@@primitivegibberish5915 - If it won’t pull it in low gear, slipping the clutch is all that’s left.
It did make me pucker when he said that. I hate to abuse my clutches.
That old Subaru is a freakish billy goat! :D
Love the old DL. They were always a joy to drive. I worked at Arnold Brothers Ford/Subaru in Boulder from 1977-80 as the service department gopher while I was in school, so if the original owner ever took it to the dealer for service, I probably have a few minutes seat time in that particular car. It's nice to see one still out there doing what it does best.
Love the video. Brings back so many memories of our 78 Subaru 4x4 wagon we bought new in Colorado. Yours still performs great considering age and low HP
Gotta go for the old Subie! It looks Better, more capable and it's much older!
Tommy going up the first hill: “can’t take it too slow here”
Literally everyone that has to deal with his off road skills/mindset: THATS THE SPEED YOU SHOULD ALWAYS GO!
Right and then it's like lets take the 2020 as slow as we can possibly go up the hill...
I’ll take the ‘78!!! Amazing condition on that car
For the love of god, we said this with the previous gen outback the 2015 Andrey had and the 2018 you guys put on rollers; TURN OFF TRACTION CONTROL AKA VDC.
Narrow wheel base, good clearance, and very little weight. It's the perfect setup for climbing loose rocky trails.
I was impressed how the new Subi crawled up despite their best attempt to stop it mid-hill to “check the clearance” 😂. Junior really really hates Subaru’s plastic cladding.
I feel like they always try to show Subi in a bad light with the new ones. With the old one they used momentum up the hill. Then with the new one.. lets go slow.. I have a 2016 3.6R. I would never go up those hills that slow.
OMG, I back in the day, my first new car was a 78 Subie 4x4 wagon! Still my favorite. It was unstoppable in snow. The only limiting factor was ground clearance. It needed a running start to get up the hills of western PA; if I was lucky, it would crest in 3rd gear...on pavement. I traded that Subaru for a Scout II. I shoulda kept the Subie...
I love that little Subaru.. you are the best .. thanks for the morning vids
Enjoyed the video and the back-and-forth between you two. Keep up the great work.
I've recently been driving my friends1986 BRAT around town and the attention it gets is unbelievable. Women and girls love it and think it's cute, I have rarely gone anywhere without someone making a comment about it and they always have a big smile on their face. It is a loveable litle rockstar that everone loves
You guys need to get your hands on one of the new hybrid Subarus coming through now. I'm not sure what you have in the US, but in Australia both the XV and Forester are now available with Subaru's boxer engine mated to a Toyota hybrid "eCVT" system. Those are far more rugged and can do a lot more torque at zero speed. Should be a piece of cake for one of those. I love how Subarus with CVT drive on normal roads and gentle tracks, but there's no doubt they're not intended for steep hills rough enough you need to take them at under 15 mph.
sounds pretty cool.
I think we just have the XV crosstrek in hybrid right now. Wish they will bring usa a hybrid outback eventually.
The old one was designed for the consumer, rugged, easy and inexpensive to repair and maintain, therefore it is still going strong after 42 years. They don't make them like this anymore as they say. Todays new cars are made to be liked by the automotive press, they are not made to be owned for many years after the warranty is out. And despite all the electronic controls and gizmos, it is behind the old one off road. The new ones will certainly not last for 42 years, because after 10-15 years repairs will be so expensive it is much more likely to be written off than repaired.
Hopefully you will make more videos like this, good video by the way. It can also be a good idea to do more video-tests that compare old and new, to show that todays cars are made for the lucurative aftermarket for the car brands. They have appearant good quality on the surface, but they are too expensive to repair and will be written off after not so many years, that is not friendly to the consumer or the enviroment, new cars are not green despite lower emissions per gallon. New cars are better than the old ones when it comes to passive safety and comfort, that is all.
Cheers.
cars aren't made like that any more because of 1) new regulations, 2) consumer demand. The 1978 DL would not pass any modern standards for safety what with a steel front bumper, no crumple zones, and no side airbags, etc. Consumer demand is the other big factor - everyone wants a big car that can haul...hence why the 2020 Outback weighs over 1000 lbs more than the 1978 DL. If they added all the new electronic features to a 1978 DL base, it would for sure perform better.
8:39 yeah you murdered the clutch😂
I had a 3door 1.8 1986ish follow up to that DL, it was permanent 4wd with a Hi/Lo selector between the front seats then had a slightly later one, 5dr and it had a 2wd, Hi and Lo selector, that thing was awesome in snow. My dad had a Series 2A Landy and we used to go out in the forests getting wood, the little 3dr Subaru usually had to tow the Landy out of the mess it would get into. Haha. Subaru made aware small 4X4s, really good fun and useful in the snow.
That old Subbie is fantastic, I love it.
I learned to drive stick in a '77 DL wagon that looked exactly like the one you guys have. It was a neighbor's car, early 80's timeframe. Awesome little bugger.
Great video! Still interesting to see how the new Crosstreck with manual transmission would do on those hills in Colorado...
I had one of those old little DL when I was in my mid twenties, and it was one of the most fun cars I have ever owned until I rolled it. I always had a suspicion that it was better off road than the newer ones thanks for confirming it for me.
TFL's got the hate on for Subaru...lol 😆 🤣
These guys are having such fun doing this comparison.
I really enjoyed this video. I had the MY wagon and a few L series plus 2 foresters. Now I have a turbo forester for off loading and an outback 3.6. Subaru's are such fun cars to drive.
Omg. Tommy is the best with the crazy commentary. "Squash"! Where does he get this stuff?
And my favorite Russian. A great team!
6:12 👀oh, just ignore the spare tire in the engine bay❗️😳🤷🏻♀️🤣
exactly....zero comment on it. WTF TFL? should have pulled it out at least and shown us the access advantage to eng.
That was standard Subaru for a long time. All of us old timers are used to seeing that until the 2.2l engine was released.
They have mentioned it in the previous videos.
Just another Jarhead I’ve mentioned it on 4 other videos, just thought 5 was too much
@@tman22077 I guess its assumed that new subs, have watched all the historic 78 subi vids. My bad.
Grandpa Scoob hands down. :)
You might get a 1980-84 version Subaru.
Aside from the mountain goat 4wd, the manual has a "hill holder" feature.
Awesome on hills as it holds the brakes on till you depress the clutch.
Great in the winter or on the dry stuff.
Another cool feature is with the 4wd Wagons, you can actually jack up the rear end and front end by turning a (i believe) 19mm socket head under the rear seat and raise the back end an entire inch.
The front struts can also be adjusted!
Its used if you get high centered in the snow, or when you want more ground clearance for off road.
Drives like a brick if you leave them jacked though.
:)
I had a 79 Subaru brat, word of advice if you have trouble going a hill, Go up backwards the reverse gear down is better than first gear.
That's terrible
I used that technic with my -88 fwd Opel Kaputt (kadett), better gear ratio and you get more weight on the fronwheels which is better for traction.
great job comparing new vs old.....very informative...great job.....btw loved it when Andre did the hug comparison
Also, when going up a hill that steep turn the traction control off and quit turning the steering wheel back and forth, it just confuses the AWD system.
Was waiting to see if someone was going to mention turning traction control off lol
Whoop dee doo for my Subaru! Had a lot of seat time in one in the early 80s driving up and down the East Coast...not the most comfy but got the job done even in torrential downpours if not too windy 😂
On the Mid-Atlantic Coast, pretty much everyone, ourselves included, buy these things because they are one of the few affordable wagons on the market. (Also AWD for the 3 days a year that we get snow.) Here, it's bought a lifestyle vehicle, like most SUVs. It's marketed like one and most often reviewed like one as well. It is really cool to see you guys actually taking a rented one offroad and making it earn its keep. This is real car reviewing.
What a difference in size n width in the one shot with them next together..that 2020' model is huge..had no idea it was that big of a car... Thank you Tommy and Andre ☺🏁🏁🏁
like America, cars have gotten bigger , fatter, wider.
Getting ready to lift my 05 outback and start the battle wagon build.
Oh, man! I clicked on hoping to see Blaze! I'm so glad that Andre is still working.
Cool fun vid !
Hopefully i can get my recently purchased 2003 VDC Outback back to it's full potential.
Curious to see how the Dual X-Mode, larger turbo engine Onyx XT performs
I think it’s smaller by .1 Liter plus the turbo. I wish they did the XT .. AND turned off traction control the whole time
@@myckeee yep you're right. 2.5 naturally aspirated then the 2.4 Turbo. My bad, I used the logic of bigger engine = more power. But yes I agree, they need to test the XT for sure and with traction off. Driving Sports TV has some great tests with the XT but I do like to see as many different perspectives as possible. Hopefully TFL will get their hands on one.
It’s definitely two different animals powerwise BUT the 2020 will limit throttle input in low traction settings.
There’s several more ways to configure the 2020 suspension/engine/braking/XM odd as well.
Jord Samson my Asecnt is great ! Turbo kicks in at 200prpm.
@@bt4b4 transmissions are going out in them fast
I'll go for the 1978 model. Light, nimble, no electronics, GREAT!
1. My 2006 Outback has dual zone climate control and a standard transmission. The best of both.
2. You can get the steel skid plate as an option on all levels of the 2020 Outback.
SBow311 Right next to my AR15 and 1911 stickers.
Love the oldies- I’ve had a couple of DL hatchbacks 78&80 - one was a 4x- they rock on snow! Great cars-
I did Ophir pass in Colorado on my forester 2015 2.5 with rtt and fully loaded with camping gear and passenger. I start from east to west this way a lot difficult. You guys have to test this cars more harder. Thx)
I would've liked to see the Onyx XT on here. I have one and live a few hours away. Do I have to bring it up there?
That 78 is so sweet did u see Andres fast when the front wheel lifted give it hell Andre,have u ever popped a tire on those rocks
I have an Outback Wilderness and the only Mods I made to it is slightly larger hybrid AT tires which gives me a bit over 10" clearance, and the stock skid plates which I installed myself. It has a lot of power with the Turbo and also it is geared lower than it's brothers, which is slightly offset by my slightly larger tires. I think it is the best of both worlds. If I baby it thru stop and go traffic I can get about 22 MPG (before break in it wasn't nearly that good, so I disagree that cars no longer need a breakin period). I;ve had trips where it got much better than that on the Freeway..As far as offroad capability it has handled everything I've needed it to with so much ease that I really haven't found the limits yet. I bought some gear to air down the tires, but on sand and snow I haven't needed to yet. But I haven't been on any really hard trails either. Nothing close to the left handed trail in this video, however I feel confident that my trim could only do better with almost twice the disposable power and lower gearing to boot. I also have much more control over modes, but frankly, again, tho I've been in snow and sand and some rough gravely truck trails, I have never felt the need to use Xmode, and Xmode is the kind of feature that unless you DO need it, you are better off with it off, because you will get a better ride with more fuel efficiency and overall smoothness. I'd like to try some of those roads and see how the Wilderness trim stacks up. Maybe if I get some time off (we are severely undermanned atm at work) I can arrange a hookup with the TFL guys for a day. I still have my stock wheels and tires (they are for sale) but I'd rather use the slightly larger and slightly more aggressive Falken Highpeaks Trail AT's I bought for it. Perfect tire for the car. The reason car manufacturers use the tires they sell the cars with is for purposes of better MPG ratings. It is not really a valid test of capability. But I get the need for consistency in testing over inflated stock tires on dirt trails despite the severe handicap it may introduce. Anyhow, great video. I like the older Subaru's, and the newer ones. Some of the ones in between were experiments when it came to offroad capability with CVT and Xmode evolving and some underpowered solutions to power some models. I think this is a fair test to compare against other AWD rigid frame cars, and in that respect I think the Subaru does fantastic. Of course if you compare it with real 4x4's, lower gear ranges, and articulating solid axles, both the capability and the METHOD of driving obstacles is changed, and you cannot compare METHODS, only results using different methods. You can literally crawl up with 4x4's, with AWD's and auto or auto cvt tranny's and torque vectoring you will have PAUSES, hesitations, and irregular power to the wheels in comparison. That is the compromise, but it gets the job done (most of the time). And that is all you can hope for with AWD Torque vectoring compromises. Personally I love em, because I love the ride, the lightness, the quiet, and the room, not to mention fuel economy in most cases. Anyhow, nuff said Databyter
Can’t wait for you guys to hit 1 million subscribers!
I have a 2014 Outback. I've found that I get the best results from the CVT if I use manual mode and set to "first" gear. This seems to stop the trans from trying to adjust itself under load and simply operate at that preset ratio.
But I think Subaru needs to offer an off-road setting which allows locking the center and rear differentials.
Or add a fixed first gear like Toyota does on the Corolla.
The blue color of the DL is now back in Crosstrek 2024 (2.0 engine only) and because it is so nostalgic, I decided to buy it. I hope Subaru will do some worthwhile spring sales.
That old subie is a beast... I think y'all should try some forester test. I own one and I think it's the most capable Subaru model personally.
Someone has probably already posted. FYI, the 1978 is a "GL" model not "DL". DL's only had 2 headlights, GL had 4 headlights.... Great Video, I still own my 1979 GL Wagon.
Thanks again Tommy - I’ve owned 9 Subarus - my first being a 1981 Leone Wagon with the amazing manual transmission and low range 4WD and could literally climb up walls - the CVT models from 2013 onwards have virtually ruined the Subaru brand and as you can see it did not like working up the hill and the CVT overheated which is why it stopped on the incline despite the accelerator being maxed out -no more Subarus for me - now use Hilux for Aussie outback - John in SA
Would like to see the 2020 XT (4 cylinder turbo) vs the 2019 3.6R (6 cylinder)
Your making me miss my 78 Brat. Bought it for $200
Must be a rite of passage? Had $400 Subaru Loyal wagon, with a low range... it sure was fun
When considering things such as horse power and torque, these are referring to powertrain. It should take into consideration weight of the vehicle, and all of a sudden that old Subie being lighter has less of a disparity in Torque and HP.
And not to mention length or over all height of a vehicle when climbing a hill, all of which changes the front to rear and side to side weight distribution when off road, which will effect how the tires will grip. Also, turn Traction control off to let those wheels spin as the older subie did and you might get a better comparison.
You grind gears, not clutches - youngsters!
TheBTG88 burn clutches!
FYI the 2020 Subie Outback engine skid plate is, as you pointed out, an option: Steel for NA Subies, aluminum for turbo Subies.
I always look forward to seeing that old DL Subaru show up in a video.
would love to see one of the first subaru's with the low range go up against the 78 DL.
I was reading that when you lose traction in 1 front and 1 rear wheel, you should press the brake to "re-calibrate" the power distribution between the 2 wheels that has traction. Is that true in these new Subarus? (Outback, xv, forester)
I've never had this work with any vehicle I've owned that lacked traction control, and one of those was a Subaru. Just get a car with a good traction control system.
Had an old 1982 (UK X reg) Subaru ‘282’ 1.8GL AWD Estate with Manual 2WD/4WDHi/4WDLo while a trainee Civil Engineer. Utterly unstoppable here in rural Scotland 🏴. Probably the best Subaru I’ve ever had. Full leather interior, Sunroof, Mud-flaps, FM/AM Radio/Cassette Player with surround sound, Roof Rails, & various Chrome enhancements being the GL model.
Now drive a 2010 (UK 60 Plate) Subaru Outback 2.5i GX NavPlus (full leather) with CVT transmission. CVT is pants 🩲 if you’ve ever had a Subaru with manual transmission 🙁. Built and drives like a bus 🚍☹️.
Now with nearly 40 years experience of driving various Subaru’s around UK 🇬🇧, recently picked up a 2007 2.5i Outback GX with a 5-speed Manual AWD Hi/Lo gearbox to replace. Has Full leather interior, Sat-Nav, Twin-electric tow-bar, Mud-flaps, Alloys all round. Normally has a 4-speed auto-box. So quite rare 🙂.
You guys should drive the Onyx XT with dual X Mode. Mine has conquered everything I threw at so long as I had ground clearance. Night and day compared to that base model outback.
Tommy ' s impression of the superfat Outback was just awesome. Best TFL moment of 2020.
Have you ever tested the older generation Outbacks? I had a 97 and currently have an 08, and I've heard my 08 is the last gen that you can actually turn off traction control. That said, I still don't find it as stable in snow as my 97. I'm MN born and raised, so I grew up driving in snow, and prefer to feel what the car is doing rather than have the car just control it. I really want an old DL now! Or a Brat.
Did you ever turn traction control off? That is likely why it wouldn't go with full throttle up hill. Xmode doesn't really work great with it still on. I had a 2016 outback that would absolutely shred all 4 tires in the snow/mud/dirt if you turned xmode on and VDC (traction) off.
I thought i had deja vu for mimute and swore I already saw this video but it was the previous gen. Love that old subby
This video makes me miss my old 1985 GL. MIne had a two speed transfer case. Why did they ever get rid of it? I used to climb mountains with it.
i had one of those Brumbies, essentiaally a pick up DL. Four speed manual with a low range box. Thing was unstoppble. wish i never sold it.
In my opinion the old timer wiped the floor with the new fancy shmancy one 🤟
Keep it stupid simple vs complicated af
True 4wd ,allwheel , front with rear awd!! Very fine print loose the electronics! I’d like to see a Ford awd fwd suv escape! How is these in sand or snow?
Try the Subaru "Onyx" turbo next. It has more AWD options than X-mode.
If I had to pick from these two Subarus, I'd pick the new one...and then sell it so I could use the money to buy two or three of the old version. Love the old ones. I remember as a child riding in the back of my grandfather's Brat in those rear-facing seats. Good times.
Man I would love for you guys 2 put my all-wheel-drive Chevy Astro with the G80 rear Locker and 225 75 R16 all terrains with the 10 inch clearance at the differential and torsion bar lift on your video to see if I can make it one of your Trail you guys do videos on the Sprinter van but what about older conversion vans and passenger vans like mine but otherwise great video I love watching you guys
I would love to see that too! I've seen a few lifted Astros, I think they're rad.
@@trailrunnah8886 I've got one on my channel that I'm always doing upgrades to check it out
"Woah, that was some...motion." 🤣
I am surprised by a manufacturer that I wouldn’t have my “potential buy list” until now.
Traction control is what kills you when you trying to climb up a hill on dirt or snow, you can’t let the car keep cutting power from the wheels. Gotta turn off traction control and you’ll be good to go. Fun video though!
Where’s the area that you guys filmed this? I’m up in Fort Collins and would like to make the drive down, to check it out. Thanks!
The Outback really needs the dual X mode from the Crosstrek and Forester...
I loved Tommy’s impersonation of the new outback!
I had an 81 Subaru and it had a low range in 4 wheel drive. It made a huge difference off road.
I'd like to see the old DL against a 6spd manual Crosstrek with skids...or against the Wilderness Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek.
The newer Subies can also be equipped by an owner with a Cusco LSD and a Torq Locker. Mudders and a winch can be bolted on now too.
👍 I would take my 82 GL wagon over my 2017 crosstrek any day of the week. The 82's true 4 wheel drive with solid rear axle, and the 2017's crap transmission (for off roading) make it not even close.
P.S.
The 82's steel skid plates were awesome.
Everybody needs an Andre hug
Sorry I am late
You may already know this but Anderson Design Fabrication in Oregon has what you need, maybe even on the shelf.
They built a bunch of cool stuff for a Subaru Ascent video and that back spare tire/gas can nerfbar tailgate is probably both the best designed and built on I've ever seen on any 4x4 rig, ever.
You may not like the size but my 90 pound dog enjoys his space in the back!
I put 3 50+ dogs in the back with the back seats folded.
It still baffles me why they drive like a grandmother and not how you should drive off-road
I started out with a 1978 Brat, no low range so it struggled on steep hills, but it was the most enjoyable vehicle I have owned on the curvy gravel back roads.
Next Sub was a 1982 GL wagon normally front wheel drive. pull up lever for 4 hi, and another pull for 4 low, that wagon could climb amazing muddy hills...best off road capability of any Subaru I've owned.
Next was a 1991 Legacy wagon with 5 speed manual, the 82 GL was a tractor compared to it, but off road capability was no comparison.
Current Subaru is a 2007 Legacy wagon with 5 speed manual, very similar awd to the 1991 with more features and power. Bottom line, I'd take the newer Legacy for everyday use and icy highways, and an old Subaru with low range for off road fun.
Like Old Subaru DL reminds me of my 84 Honda Civic wagon which I loved. Remember the days when small 4cy came with 5sp.
Driving Sports TV channel was able to get an XT for a year of off road testing. It struggled on their version of Truth. I would be curious if it could make it up yours. They had the most luck with the deep snow mud setting in X mode. But I would not count on it in a true off road situation.