Impreza gen 3 1.5l vs 2l

[Emmadrew18]

Hi guys, I’m looking at buying a Subaru Impreza generation 3 but am unsure if I should get a 1.5L or a 2L auto, looking for fuel economy but also a bit of power. What have you guys experience within the two? Thanks 

[Andy_Mac]

No idea how reliable either of the later NA options are but i’d say go for the 2.0 if they're similarly specced engines besides capacity, especially if with the auto. Underpowered engines mated with auto’s end up using just as much, if not more fuel as they're always being pushed that much harder to get up to speed.

[Joker]

Ditto on the 2.0

 

the 1.5 will have to work harder to Move the same Mass = use more gass, what do the carjam / Trademe Fuel stats say?

 

Also assuming your referring to these 

 

Third generation (2007–2014) – GE, GV, GH, GR

 

 

Sedan (pre-facelift)

Hatch (facelift)

 

and with zero 1st hand experiance I'm gunna go by the Trademe listings that popped up 1st

 

 

 

both 2008

 

1.5 : https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/subaru/auction-1861777980.htm?rsqid=da4883b855d04da7a9443669e8e735e5-002

 

Quote

Ratings

Fuel economy info 

 

Annual fuel cost of $1,850

 

2.0 : https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/subaru/auction-2167677172.htm?rsqid=da4883b855d04da7a9443669e8e735e5-002

 

Quote

Ratings

Fuel economy info 

 

Annual fuel cost of $2,210

 

all depend on how heavy your foot is I guess & every day you get in a 1.5 you'd wish you went for a 2.0 anyway

 

also one could spout out "Newer Auto Trans these days are much more efficient than those of the last Millenium a ther ehave been advances in parasitic power losses" etc

[Gripless]

It’s a big heavy car for a 1.5L with the drain of AWD. 

 

You lose power to the AWD system so economy isn’t a big point for either engine. 

[Joker]

Is the 1.5 AWD though?

 

the review on the listing mentions 

 

Quote

15S – Powered by the 1.5-litre engine. Available in front or all-wheel drive, with a four-speed automatic or manual transmission.

 

FWD 1.5 be the way to go I reckon

 

OR

 

2.0

 

take both for a test drive maybe?

[harry002]

What did you end up buying? That said, I think you'll be lucky to find a FWD 2.0 these days but the FWD 1.5 is still as common as a sparrow.

 

I am looking at getting a 2.0 after 2x 1.5 Gen 2 and Gen 3 impreza.

 

Has anyone has experience with the 2.0 SOHC FWD? Is it much more grungy than a 1.5? I have tried a 2.0SOHC AWD and didn't seem that much better?

 

Other option is a first generation Axela instead, but prefer the look of a the Impreza.

Edited September 17, 2025 by harry002

[Joker]

there's 1 that drives around my town hah :  I have to stop myself from following it "home" and chatting to the owner hah

 

the 'blocked off' type grill is a stand out identifier (Povo' / Nana Spec GC1)