Davis Bellew Subaru is renowned for producing high-performance, reliable vehicles with exceptional handling, and off-road capabilities. However, choosing the best engine for a Subaru car can be overwhelming, especially if you are not conversant with the technical details. Fear not, this guide will provide all the information you need to identify the best engine for your car.
Types of Subaru Engines
Subaru has two main families of engines- the Subaru Boxer engine and the Subaru V-engine. The Boxer engine is named so because the pistons move horizontally like boxing gloves. They come in four-cylinder or six-cylinder variations, and they are all naturally aspirated.
The V-engine, on the other hand, is a turbocharged, six-cylinder engine. It is the most powerful engine in the Subaru lineup and reserved for STI models.
Performance and Reliability
When considering a Subaru engine, it’s critical to assess performance and reliability. Subaru engines rev high and produce a unique exhaust note, thanks to their horizontally opposed cylinder configuration. They produce impressive power while maintaining fuel efficiency.
Generally, Subaru engines have proven to be incredibly reliable. Their reliability is ascribed to their boxer design, which allows the engine to have a lower center of gravity. Subaru engines are also designed to run on synthetic oil, which enhances the engine’s lifespan.
Best Subaru Engines
There are several Subaru engines in the market, each with its strengths and weaknesses. However, based on performance, fuel efficiency, horsepower, and torque, here are the best engines for Subaru cars:
Subaru FB Engine
The Subaru FB engine is a four-cylinder, 2.5-liter boxer engine that debuted in 2011. It’s an improvement of the older Subaru EJ engine. The FB engine features a new engine block and cylinder heads, an updated timing belt, and chain. The engine’s weight was also reduced by 7.7 pounds, thanks to a more compact design and new materials.
The FB engine boasts improved fuel efficiency and offers superior handling. It produces 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. Although it has a lower peak power than its predecessor, it makes up for it with a more linear torque curve.
Subaru FA Engine
The Subaru FA engine is another boxer four-cylinder engine that debuted in the 2012 Subaru Impreza. It’s lighter than the FB engine and has a more rigid block. It offers more power, delivering up to 300 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. The engine features direct fuel injection and twin-scroll turbo, which enhances fuel economy and boosts performance.
The FA engine is also incredibly smooth and provides a better driving experience than its predecessor. Plus, it’s more reliable and requires fewer repairs.
Subaru EJ Engine
The EJ engine is probably the most popular engine in Subaru’s lineup. It’s available in various models such as the WRX, STI, and Legacy. It’s a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine with a displacement of between 1.5 and 2.5 liters.
The EJ engine is praised for its performance, with some versions delivering up to 350 horsepower. However, it’s not as fuel-efficient as other Subaru engines and requires more maintenance to keep it running smoothly.
Subaru EZ Engine
The EZ engine is a six-cylinder boxer engine introduced in 1999. It’s incredibly reliable and offers smooth power delivery. It produces up to 260 horsepower, making it one of Subaru’s most potent engines.
The EZ engine is an excellent choice for people looking for a reliable and stable engine with impressive power. However, it’s thirsty and may not be suitable for people looking for fuel-efficient vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Boxer engine, and why is it critical?
A Boxer engine is a type of internal combustion engine, where the cylinders are laid flat on opposite sides of the crankshaft. This design reduces the engine’s center of gravity, thereby improving the vehicle’s handling and stability.
Which is the most reliable Subaru engine?
Subaru engines are known for their reliability, but the EZ engine stands out as the most reliable engine due to its simple design and fewer moving parts.
What is the most powerful Subaru engine?
The most powerful Subaru engine is the FA engine, which delivers up to 300 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque.
Conclusion
Subaru vehicles are known for their exceptional handling, off-road capabilities, and high-performance engines. When choosing the best Subaru engine, you should consider factors such as fuel efficiency, horsepower, torque, and reliability. The Subaru FB, FA, EJ, and EZ engines are some of the best engines based on performance, reliability, and fuel economy. Choose an engine that best suits your driving needs, and you’ll enjoy a memorable driving experience.
