Even after having pulled the engine of my 2005 to replace the clutch, pulleys, belts, water pump, and all engine seals to give my 2005 Forester XS a new lease on life for another 100,000 miles (now at 216,000 miles) I realized parts are going to become harder to get. So I reached out to the local dealer to ask them the difference between a Sport and Wilderness and how the extra cost is justified. They weren’t helpful. So I’m reaching out to the experts here.
I’d like to know:
1. At 65 or 70 mph what is the rpm of the Wilderness in top ‘gear’? I understand the 1st ‘gear’ ratio is quite a bit lower on the Wilderness and the final drive ratio hence it can tow more than the other Foresters and the economy is not as good.
2. The Wilderness has better clearance. Is this due to stiffer springs or are the struts and springs different or is it just lifted along with the higher profile tires?
3. How does the Wilderness handle compared to the Sport?
4. Why the $3,000 difference? Is it worth it? What are you getting?
Yes, I hear you yelling ‘How do you intend to use it!?’ Indeed this is my conundrum. If I was back home in the mountains of SoCal it would be easy. The Wilderness. But, I’m presently in Northeast Ohio for a few more years so a Sport would be better suited. However, I drive back West sometimes and go off road in the deserts and mountains of California, Idaho, Nevada and Colorado.
I look forward to your responses. Thank you.
I’d like to know:
1. At 65 or 70 mph what is the rpm of the Wilderness in top ‘gear’? I understand the 1st ‘gear’ ratio is quite a bit lower on the Wilderness and the final drive ratio hence it can tow more than the other Foresters and the economy is not as good.
2. The Wilderness has better clearance. Is this due to stiffer springs or are the struts and springs different or is it just lifted along with the higher profile tires?
3. How does the Wilderness handle compared to the Sport?
4. Why the $3,000 difference? Is it worth it? What are you getting?
Yes, I hear you yelling ‘How do you intend to use it!?’ Indeed this is my conundrum. If I was back home in the mountains of SoCal it would be easy. The Wilderness. But, I’m presently in Northeast Ohio for a few more years so a Sport would be better suited. However, I drive back West sometimes and go off road in the deserts and mountains of California, Idaho, Nevada and Colorado.
I look forward to your responses. Thank you.
