[mattau]

beside the turbo, is there any mechanical difference between the turbo XT and the NA X? From looking at the specs, it would appear that the transmission, the suspension, the AWD system and the brakes are all the same, is that true?

 

[MudRunner]

The engine itself is wholly different. Different block design (reinforced semi closed deck design), DOHC heads versus SOHC (what the X has), different internals, and a lower compression ratio.

The trans may be a little different, but I'm not really sure. Both are the 4EAT, but there may be some subtle differences that I don't know about. The X (base models) may or may not have a limited-slip rear diff, and I'm pretty sure it comes standard on the XT.

The rest is the same, as far as I know. :smile:

 

[TC2000]

Pretty sure everything's the same except the engine and the final drive 4.44-x vs 4.11 xt all other gear ratios are the same
Look here for more info http://www.cars101.com/subaru/forester/forester2009.html#std summary

 

[GTOJim]

I've got two 09's, XT and an X.

I'm in my sixties and one thing I have learned over the years is, no two cars dive or feel exactly the same even though they might be the same year, model, and equipped the same.

I find the XT suspension rides a tad stiffer, not firmer, feels more stable to me. There is a slightly different spec on clearance between the XT and the X. The XT being something like 1/4 inch higher. The XT has less road noise, feels like it handles a bit better.

The transmission feels noticeably different between them. The X is smother shifting, stays in each gear a bit longer. XT has a firmer shift, shifts sooner.

There are other subtle differences between them I won't go into right now, but the other obvious difference for me is the XT comes with a telescoping steering column which makes it much more comfortable for me.

My wife hates leather so neither is a Limited model, I'm not sure if the Limited X includes the telescoping steering column or if it only comes on the XT.

As posted above the final gearing is a bit different between them. XT is turning less RPM's at freeway speeds.

As I'm sure you already know the X gets better gas mileage and uses regular gas. The XT drinks a bit more fuel and needs premium fuel.

The XT wins the fun factor. Honestly I like the XT a bit better but would be happy driving just the X model.

But then I have two 1969 Pontiac GTO's parked in my garage so if I feel the need to burn rubber or melt some asphalt they get the nod.

 

[nikitopo]

Hi,

If the chassis and suspension of the X and XT '09+ Foresters are pretty much the same, why some STI parts cannot be installed in the X models? E.g.:

STI damper kit
Flexible Draw Stiffener, Rear
Flexible Support, Rear


At least that's what is stated in the official site. Is this a marketing thing or do we miss something else? :icon_confused:

Thanks a lot,
Theo

 

[crewzer]

beside the turbo, is there any mechanical difference between the turbo XT and the NA X? From looking at the specs, it would appear that the transmission, the suspension, the AWD system and the brakes are all the same, is that true?

I don't know about the 2010, but there are differences for the MY2012's.

For example, the AT is different for the n/a and the turbo applications. Specifically, the turbo AT's stall ratio is higher, the stall speed is higher, and there are more drive plates.

As noted, the non-turbo AT's FDR is 4.444 (40/9), and the turbo AT's FDR is 4.111 (37/9).

And, the transfer case is also different. The non-turbo AT's transfer case contains five sets of clutch plates, and the turbo AT's case contains six.

The power steering pumps are different.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

[nikitopo]

I don't know about the 2010, but there are differences for the MY2012's.

For example, the AT is different for the n/a and the turbo applications. Specifically, the turbo AT's stall ratio is higher, the stall speed is higher, and there are more drive plates.

As noted, the non-turbo AT's FDR is 4.444 (40/9), and the turbo AT's FDR is 4.111 (37/9).

And, the transfer case is also different. The non-turbo AT's transfer case contains five sets of clutch plates, and the turbo AT's case contains six.

The power steering pumps are different.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

So this means that the "STI damper kit" in theory can be installed on a 2012 non-turbo model.

 

[Echo63]

The Aussie N/A foresters have a low range transfer case.
The turbo (XT) doesn't

 

[crewzer]

So this means that the "STI damper kit" in theory can be installed on a 2012 non-turbo model.

Not necessarily. My list addresses sample differences between the MY2012 USDM X and XT Foresters; it's probably not complete.

SH Foresters sold in other markets are often configured differently. For example, self-leveling rear suspension is available in some markets, but not in the U.S. And, although based on similar platforms, Forester wheels have a 48mm ET, but 08-10 Impreza STI wheels have a 53mm ET. I have no idea how these (subtle) production variations may or may not affect retrofitting parts from other car models.

Accordingly, I recommend additional research. For example, this thread looks interesting.

HTH,
Jim / crewzer