1995-1999 Subaru Legacy: Technical Specifications

Subaru's L, LS, and Brighton wagon models all come with a 2.2-liter flat (horizontally opposed) 4-cylinder engine with four-valve-per-cylinder heads. For 1995-96 models, it provides 135 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 140 pound-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. For 1997, the 2.2-liter gains two horsepower (to 137) and an extra five pound-feet of torque (to 145), thanks to a higher compression ratio, lighter pistons, a new intake system, and revised valves that don't require any adjustment for 100,000 miles. Subaru decided to eliminate the turbocharged version of its 2.2-liter turbo 4-cylinder, making the 1995 Legacy the first Subaru flagship model in many years not to offer turbocharging. However, a new 2.5-liter flat 4-cylinder arrived as an optional powerplant in 1996, providing 155 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 155 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm. That year it came only with a 4-speed automatic. For 1997, the same engineering upgrades made to the 2.2-liter were also performed on the 2.5-liter flat-four, used in GT, LSi, and Outback models. The result is a gain of 10 horsepower (to 165) and seven pound-feet of torque (to 162) . Both engines can now be teamed with a standard 5-speed OD manual or 4-speed automatic. The manual transmission is revised for more positive shift action and loses its former "Hill-Holder" clutch feature.