Subaru XT Coupe 1.8 Turbo (120 Hp) 4WD


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 3.6 / 5
Performance 3.7 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Subaru XT:

The Subaru XT is a 2+2 car manufactured and marketed by Subaru from 1985 till 1991, with a facelift in 1987. It is a two-door coupé with a front-mounted engine and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. When the XT debuted, it was the most aerodynamic car in the US market.
Marketed as the Alcyone in Japan; as the Vortex in Australia and New Zealand; and as the XT or XT6 in North America and Europe, all XT cars were assembled at Subaru's Yajima Plant in Ota, Japan. Over its single generation, production reached just over 98,000....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Coupe Overview:

Subaru XT (Coupe). With 178 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.9 l/100km). Weighing only 1140 kg, it’s quite light. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.2 s). The top speed reaches 195 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The 1985 Subaru XT Coupe predates modern Euro NCAP testing standards, which began in 1997. Safety features were rudimentary by today's measures, focusing on basic structural integrity and seatbelts rather than advanced passive or active systems.

1.8 Turbo (120 Hp) 4WD Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A capable turbocharged option, offering a good balance of power and all-weather capability with its 4WD system, though slightly less potent than the 136 Hp version.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is reasonable for a turbocharged 4WD vehicle of its era, with a reported 8.8 l/100 km combined, offering a good balance of power and efficiency.

Best Use Case: All-weather driving, spirited touring, and daily driving for those seeking a performance edge without the top-tier power.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Distinctive, aerodynamic wedge styling
  • • Advanced features for its era (e.g., 4WD, optional air suspension, digital dash)
  • • Engaging boxer engine sound and character across the lineup
  • • Good performance from turbocharged and 2.7L variants
  • • Excellent all-weather capability with Subaru's 4WD system

Cons:

  • • Dated interior ergonomics and materials by modern standards
  • • Limited rear passenger space due to coupe design
  • • Parts availability can be challenging for some specific components due to age and rarity
  • • Fuel economy can be high on turbo/2.7L models, especially with spirited driving
  • • Air suspension system can be costly to maintain or repair if issues arise

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Subaru
Model:XT
Generation:Coupe
Modification (Engine):1.8 Turbo (120 Hp) 4WD
Start of production:1985
End of production:1991
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:5
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:120 Hp @ 5200 rpm.
Power per litre:67.3 Hp/l
Torque:178 Nm @ 2400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:EA 82T
Engine displacement:1782
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Boxer
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:4 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:92 mm mm
Piston Stroke:67 mm mm
Compression ratio:7.7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.8 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.2 sec
Maximum speed:195 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.5 kg/Hp, 105.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.4 kg/Nm, 156.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1140
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:315 l
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4450 mm mm
Width:1690 mm mm
Height:1335 mm mm
Wheelbase:2465 mm mm
Front track:1435 mm
Rear (Back) track:1425 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):170-200 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.8 m
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels permanently, and the rear wheels are driven through an electrically or mechanically operated clutch if necessary.
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/65 R13
Wheel rims size5J x 13
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension
Rear suspensionAir suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Subaru XT rank in your book?