Performance Review: Subaru Impreza RB5 - Classic - [1999]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Subaru Impreza Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Subaru Impreza RB5 - Classic is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1999. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the and the .This particular Subaru Impreza has a 1999cc Turbo Petrol powerplant with 4 cylinders in a F formation.

Alternative Petrol F4's includes the 2010 Subaru Impreza STI CS 400 - Cosworth - Hatch

The Impreza shares its Petrol F4 engine configuration with the likes of the 2010 Subaru Impreza STI CS 400 - Cosworth - Hatch and the 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI R205 Spec C - Hatch. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Impreza's All Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the or the .

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1235 kgs (2722 lbs) this makes the Subaru Impreza RB5 - Classic in the same weight category as the 2020 Audi A1 A1 Sportback 35 TFSI S tronic S line or the give or take 50kg.

The Subaru Impreza shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 1999cc 16V F4 engine produces 214 bhp (159 kW) @ 6000 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Turbo F4 throws out 230 lb-ft (311.8 Nm) @ 3500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (236 lb-ft) or the 2020 McLaren Sabre 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo (206 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Subaru Impreza you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2018 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 300 Trophy (198.1 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Subaru Impreza.

The Subaru Impreza has a Power to weight ratio of 173.2 bhp per ton and 186.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1999 Impreza competing with the 2018 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 300 Trophy (198.1 bhp per ton) or the 2007 Toyota Aurion TRD 3.5 V6 Supercharged (198.1 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Subaru Impreza generating around 186.2 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1995 Volvo 850 2.3 T5 R (211.2 lb-ft per ton) or the 2017 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo (211.2 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.10 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.3 secs, this made the Subaru Impreza RB5 - Classic as fast as the 2017 Maserati Ghibli 3.0 V6 Diesel (6.10 secs) the 2017 Hyundai i30 N 2.0 Turbo (6.10 secs) the 2017 Land-Rover Velar 3.0 SDV6 300 (6.10 secs) the or the 2016 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTI 2.0 Turbo DSG (6.10 secs). This Subaru Impreza RB5 - Classic is also faster than the 2019 Toyota Supra SZ 2.0 Turbo (6.20 secs) the 2019 Toyota Supra SZ-R 2.0 Turbo (6.20 secs) the 2017 Volkswagen-VW Arteon 2.0 TDi SCR 4Motion (6.20 secs) the and the 2014 Peugeot 208 Gti 1.6 Turbo 30th (6.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Impreza and the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE

When talking about the performance of the Subaru Impreza on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.17 secs @ 96.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2008 Nissan Altima Coupe 3.5 SE (14.11 secs), the 2012 Tesla Model S 85 kWh (14.11 secs), and the 2012 Lexus LS 600h (14.11 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1999 version of the Subaru Impreza RB5 - Classic has a maximum speed of 143mph.

Top Speed of the 1999 Impreza equals the 2023 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo (154 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1999 Subaru Impreza RB5 - Classic then how about the 2023 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo (154 mph), the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (154 mph), or the 2019 Peugeot 508 PureTech 225 GT S and S (154 mph).

Related Links:

1999 Impreza Rivals List.

A Brief History of Subaru

Car Comparison