Major difference between Outback 2.5i & 2.5XT engines?

[Bradley Walker]

I'm curious as to what some of the major and minor differences are when it
comes to the Outback 2.5i and 2.5XT engines? On the inside of the gas lid
for the 2.5XT's, there is a sticker that says to use PREMIUM gasoline only
(octane 91 or higher if I remember right is written on the sticker). Does
using the premium gas only give a performance increase, or is using premium
gasoline required because using less octane fuel could damage the engine?

I'm curious about this because I would like to get a 2.5XT but if it
requires premium fuel then that would be too much for my budget.

Brad

 

[Mike Lloyd]

XT is a turbo... i model is not.

 

[Joan Masoliver]

Hello,

My 2004 Outback 2.5i (50.000 Km) burns a quater of oil in 4.000 Km since the
first Km, and I think that it is habitual in this engine.

For me it is a oil-guzzler, it is the first car in 750.000 Km that burns
oil.

I don't konw if the 2.5XT burns oil ....

Joan

 

[Grolsch]

XT has DOHC + the turbo, while the 2.5i is SOHC, naturally aspirated.

 

[Bradley Walker]

Thanks for the info. I knew that the XT is turbo charged, but didn't know
the exact details of what made the engine itself different. I"m assuming
it's a bad no-no to inject 87 octane/reg unleaded into the engine correct?

 

[Edward Hayes]

Yes, the XT requires a premium fuel except in the case of emergencies.
Any attempt to use a lower grade fuel will result in poor gas mileage
and performance. Long term usage of a low grade fuel may very well
cause engine problems.

 

[Bradley Walker]

Thanks, I suspected as much. The idea of having blown valves or something
else isn't a pretty thought, especially when it could be prevented.