We spent a day driving these two back to back. And for the first two hours, were scratching our heads. Jumping from one to another, a finger was raised ... but then lowered once back in the other. Perceived differences were really just that. In this situation, you need to get all this preliminary swapping out the way, find a representative road and then drive them together. Then, turn around at the bottom and do it again. Then, get into the other one and do it again. That's what we did.
Toyota more pointy, Subaru more mature
Headline differences here - the Subaru's front end is a bit sharper, keener to turn in. It steering is weightier and more direct just off centre. There's more immediacy to fingertip inputs. The Toyota? It's a bit lazier to turn in but, once there, its rear end seems a bit livelier, as if you can lean on it more and have a bit of fun.
And those differences in detail. The Subaru demonstrates more linearity on turn-in. The build-up of forces is faster at the front and the transfer to the rear is more gradual. In the Toyota, the nose takes a fraction longer to respond but then the flow of weight transfer to the rear is faster, placing more sudden force on the back wheels. The rear is stiff enough to control it but this still, if you're manfully aggressive, leads to more work for the stability control to do - or, if it's off, easier tail-tweaking fun (ably demonstrated by Mr Harris). These are differences of real minutiae, but do become apparent with miles and legwork.
There ARE differences in the way they drive
There was disagreement on the ride at first. Some felt the Subaru was better, others, the Toyota. So we analysed further and concluded the Subaru is a bit more taut at lower speed, so is jigglier in town, but more measured at speed. The Toyota is a little softer at slower speed and this can lead to a fraction more reaction over undulating surfaces at speed, making it feel less settled. It's a lightbulb moment when this clicks.
The editor did ask us to note whether we forgot which one we were driving until we checked the badge on the steering wheel. Certainly, we may have done, if the Toyota's interior had been less chintzy. But, with experience, no. Just turn said steering wheel if in any doubt; weighty, faster reacting? It's the Subaru. Then, as it turns in, do you feel the rear end wake up more brightly, the tyres talk to you more? It's the Toyota. Simples. And only took two tankfuls of unleaded...
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Transporter
Bookmarks