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Dependable SUV for a female driver: Forester or Montero Sport?

By Botchi Santos —

Hi, Botchi!

I am in the market for a sport-utility vehicle. I've narrowed down my choices to the Subaru Forester 2.0 X and Mitsubishi Montero Sport GLS-V. I'm in my 40s and I would like a dependable, easy-to-maintain vehicle with a good resale value.  I would appreciate your inputs.

If I were to increase my budget and choose between a Montero Sport 2.5 GTV and Forester 2.5 XT, what should I get? 

Need your advice immediately.

Thanks!

Hera

Hi, Hera!

Thank you very much for your email. We appreciate the time you spent to share with us your thoughts on the two cars.

Personally, I love both the Mitsubishi Montero Sport GTV and the Subaru Forester FX-T. Both are very fast, enjoyable to drive and they offer amazing high-speed stability. But it really depends on where you plan to use the cars. 

If you'll be doing a lot of driving on unpaved, poorly surfaced roads, and expect to wade through a lot of floods, river crossings and the like, the Montero Sport is a better option. It will also deliver more fuel efficiency and lower overall running cost because it is a diesel, and diesel fuel--even the premium variants--cost less than gasoline.

With the Subaru, you'll need to to fill up with high-octane fuel like Petron Blaze 100 or Shell V-Power to get the most out of the performance available from the car so running cost will be more expensive. Servicing a Subaru is also more expensive than traditional Japanese brands like Toyota, Mitsubishi and Honda. But the driving feel and experience behind the wheel is well worth it. It is better suited for the highways and also on high-speed dirt roads but for serious off-road work, you're better off with the Montero Sport. 

Ultimately it's a tough call, but I'd love to have either car in my garage!

Good luck, God bless and hope this helps you out in your decision-making process.

Botchi Santos
Consumer editor

Lost in a sea of cars and not quite sure which one to get? Click here to email your car query so Botchi can help you pick the right vehicle!

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  • allenrock12 Jul 21 2011 @ 05:21pm
     
    go for the montero sports, diesel is cheaper compared to gasoline, i have a new mitsubishi montero gtv and its really fun to drive advantage wise, if you have a big family you can bring 6 more passenger with you but with the subaru only 5 of you can enjoy the driving pleasure.

    subaru is a great car, if you don't mind spending a little extra but montero sports has more value for your money
        6
    • murcielago Jul 23 2011 @ 08:06am
       
      Those who hate this publish comment is the one who likes subaru :D, they dont like the monty. Sobrang halata haha
         
  • redcat Jul 21 2011 @ 05:30pm
     
    nice choice. both are great car but practicality wise , go for the monty. only down side, steering is a little bit heavy.
        4
  • gameroomhd Jul 21 2011 @ 06:01pm
     
    If you want to be practical, go for the Monty. If money doesnt concern you and you want a more refined ride, go for the Forester. :)
        2
  • Kyoichi Sudo Jul 21 2011 @ 06:06pm
     
    if i were you Ms Hera, i would buy the GTV than the GLS-V, its more fun to drive and the accessories that can be put in a montero looks perfect
    Last modified Jul 22 2011 @ 05:43pm
        5
  • engr_kristian Jul 21 2011 @ 06:16pm
     
    female, in the 40s, vehicle requirements are: dependable, easy to maintain, & good resale. all these points only to the Montero but i agree with someone here, get the GTV variant.
        3
  • toyotadude Jul 21 2011 @ 06:38pm
     
    get the Montero Sport. much fuel-efficient than Forester.
        5
    • Kyoichi Sudo Jul 22 2011 @ 06:07pm
       
      your a toyotafan but you recommend the monty? i'm i dreaming???
         
  • 997 GT2RS Jul 21 2011 @ 06:40pm
     
    My wife drives a Foreter XT, she loves the power, handling, safety features andall around visibility. WRX running gear.
    Montero has a separate chassis, higher centre of gravity which attributes to truck like handling.
        2
  • awesomeone Jul 21 2011 @ 06:47pm
     
    I would like to suggest a Toyota Fortuner 3.0V D4D
    much suited for people who wants to enjoy driving cormfortably
        1
  • RS500 Jul 21 2011 @ 07:18pm
     
    Based on your criteria mam, I suggest you stick with the Montero Sport. The Subaru Forester is also a good choice. However, the costs of running a Subaru isn't quite what you expect from other established Japanese car makers. Also, the ride in the Montero Sport isn't quite comfortable - which you would expect from full sized SUVs like the Fortuner, and Everest. If comfort really matters, the smart choices would be the Forester or CR-V - which downside is the lack of space. I'm not saying that the Montero has a very bumpy ride, it's just that the Forester is much more comfortable.
       
    • Kyoichi Sudo Jul 22 2011 @ 05:23pm
       
      FYI the Fortuner has a more harsh ride than the Montero Sport(ehem we test drive this two last sunday. now no one will ask me why i said this)
         
  • fortis Jul 21 2011 @ 07:18pm
     
    Given that I have the money and that I am practical I would go for the Monty Sport. But deep in my heart I really want that Subaru Forester. Its a speed demon!
        1
  • JoHunter Jul 21 2011 @ 08:24pm
     
    Forester drivers don't enjoy as much exclusivity these days, I noticed. Lately I've been counting at least 10 Foresters a day on the road during my daily commute.
        1
    • Jerricson Jul 23 2011 @ 01:22am
       
      Well if based on the population of MS, who could ever thought that Fozes even exist.
         
  • jbedpan Jul 21 2011 @ 08:53pm
     
    If you're married or have a family then Montero Sport is a good choice. More seating capacity than the Forester. I agree with Botchi though it will depend on where you use it. That should be the biggest consideration in your choice. Don't be too caught up with speed consideration as i will assume you will not be driving it more than 150kph most of the time. If you buy a Subaru still you are not gonna drive it at 150kph most of the time so there is no sense buying a Forester. Be informed that diesel engine has more torque than gasoline engine so Montero should have an edge in every stop-run situation (i.e. traffic light, or intersection).
    Last modified Jul 21 2011 @ 08:55pm
        5
    • Kyoichi Sudo Jul 22 2011 @ 05:25pm
       
      i agree, the montero sprt has also the same performance of the Strada, w/c has the stars and a moose to prove.
         
  • Ferman Lao
    Ferman Lao Jul 21 2011 @ 09:05pm
     
    At the price point of the GT-V & FXT, you may also want to consider the Tucson Diesel 4x4 or the KIA Sorento Diesel.
        5
  • one.edchelle Jul 21 2011 @ 09:06pm
     
    I would suggest the Montero Sport GLS-V, I know that by just looking at the subaru, you might get the feeling that there's a women infiltration on the idea of the car, i'll share a story of mine, when i am in highschool , a classmate of mine, a girl have a picture of a subaru forester on her bag, well i don't know what's the purpose of it but yeah , it's the montero i will choose . and also considering girls also drive masculine cars today, eh?
        5
  • Feeter Silverster Jul 21 2011 @ 09:16pm
     
    I just want to share a link here, about some secrets Mitsubishi is hiding from the consumers.

    http://monteroaccident.blogspot.com/

    have as good day!
        6
  • ev9402 Jul 21 2011 @ 09:53pm
     
    I think the CR-V is the safest bet even though it's not on your list, or even the Rav4. If you also can wait, you can check out the new Fortuner which Vernon already posted here. Montero Sport's front driver seat lacks some thigh support and sits very low which I think would be disadvantageous for a lady driver. The CR-V and Fortuner sit comfortable enough and provide good visibility. Subaru is also a good choice but if you want overall ease of maintenance, go for the other Japanese brands.
        1
  • fortis Jul 21 2011 @ 09:58pm
     
    @Feeter Silverster, thanks for sharing that link.
    Last modified Jul 21 2011 @ 10:02pm
        2
  • agutz1010 Jul 21 2011 @ 10:04pm
     
    Sorry to suggest another car out of your options, but i think you may want to consider the Santa Fe VGT diesel. It's very fun to drive, torquey engine, great space, low fuel consumption, drives like a mid size SUV, car-like suspension (not bumpy), globally available and recognized (means euro and US compliant), and for the best part, steering is light and feels like a car to drive. Test drive all your options and feel the difference.
        3
  • RaffyDavid Jul 21 2011 @ 10:38pm
     
    Botchi,

    It is also important to note that entry and exit into the Forester is far more comfortable than the Montero. Interior space and luggage space is also far far far better in the Forester. We have 2 Foresters and a Montero Sport in the family and I'd say that for a female driver, the Foz is the way to go.
        1
  • someonespecialisme Jul 21 2011 @ 10:58pm
     
    its actually all up to you..whichever you want..for a typical lady, you might want a carlike ride and a nimble car..so get the forester..but if you want a macho car..with a trucklike ride and handling..get the montero..
    isn't it that the only difference of the gtv and gls-v is that the gtv is 4x4?
        2
  • ennovy70 Jul 21 2011 @ 11:24pm
     
    Subaru! No doubt!
        2
  • dtkiko Jul 21 2011 @ 11:36pm
     
    Pinag-iisipan pa ba yan mga bosing? DUH!!!! Even my wife likes the Subaru Forester more than the Monterosport of her mother (my in-laws). She even likes the Kia Sorento of her cousin.... But i told her, let's buy nalang Hyundai Santa Fe eVGT....

    For the strong-willed lady that is asking Botchi for advice ----

    Ma'am, you only get to drive a Subaru ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME and for a woman you will never go wrong with the Subaru Forester. You will find it even well-contoured for a woman, just like the Honda CRV and the Toyota Rave 4.... The Subaru Forester is a NO-BRAINER po, HINDI NA PO pinag-iisipan yan yari man na may pera po kayo, honestly-speaking, and to get the most satisfaction in your driving life and escapades!!!!

    You're the WONDERWOMAN, and you DESERVE the Subaru Forester ma'am, nothing less!!!!
        5
  • chinitoguy30 Jul 22 2011 @ 12:02am
     
    Go for the Subaru Forester. A lady deserves some refinement when it comes to their cars. Subaru Forester is more refined than the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. But if you are really on a tight budget and you want to see your look alike cars on the road go for the Montero Sport. Another thing, SUVs are really expensive to maintain. We considered Mitsubishi Montero Sport and Honda CR-V as our next car last year. Since our priority is lower cost of maintenance and fuel efficiency we opted to buy a Toyota Innova instead. We are happy with its performance. We got the G variant with 2.5L D4-D Diesel engine.
        4
    • saoirse_r Jul 22 2011 @ 12:14am
       
      Hi! Yes I agree that the Innova is the most practical choice.
         
  • saoirse_r Jul 22 2011 @ 12:14am
     
    The Forester for me!
        3
  • GBfive Jul 22 2011 @ 05:57am
     
    the Montero will add 10yrs. to your age. the Forester will make you 20yrs. younger.
        4
  • JCM Jul 22 2011 @ 06:30am
     
    Forester. Or if you don't look like the upcoming new Toyota Fortuner, maybe get the current one now.
        2
  • aeronTGco Jul 22 2011 @ 08:39am
     
    For me, SUV for a female driver, I'd go for the Subaru Forester 2.0 XS. That would be enough for a lady driver. The Forester 2.5 XT is too fast, while the Montero Sport is too heavy...
        2
  • warak1422 Jul 22 2011 @ 02:10pm
     
    as usual botchi likes montero hehe
        2
  • warak1422 Jul 22 2011 @ 02:12pm
     
    BMW X1 20d or 23d
        2
  • dtkiko Jul 22 2011 @ 04:23pm
     
    For Ms. HERA ----

    Both SUV's are priced po at around PhP1.7 M (2.5-litre Forester all-wheel drive and 2.5-litre Monterosport GTV).

    The Forester has better comfort ride because it is more of a CUV, has a uni-body configuration, better suspension, way better-engineered engine (box-type horizontally opposed turbocharged), lower centre-of-gravity, better maneouvreing manners, is way lighter than a typical ladder-frame type chassis SUV where its body is just outrigged from the main-chassis.

    Besides ma'am, the 2.5-litre Forester (with the price-tag of only PhP1.7 M as compared to all the others) is the ONLY SUV out there that pumps out a WHOPPING 230 metric-hp and gives a strong 320 Nm of peak torque at 2800 rpm for a gasoline engine that price. The heavier and unimpressive Monterosport, pegged also at almost the same price, could only managed 178 metric-hp and needs to have its neck wring out to a high-rev of 3500 rpm just to get 350 Nm.

    Like i said po ma'am, Subaru cars, although they are mainstream cars, are more of a BOUTIQUE-TYPE of specialised cars where of course you can only expect TOPNOTCH exhilirating performances out of them.

    Goodluck po ma'am!
        2
    • Kyoichi Sudo Jul 22 2011 @ 05:38pm
       
      i'm reminding you dtkiko, don't tell bad things on the Montero Sport, i'm not telling bad stories about your fancy Santa Fe so keep your words nice.
          2
      • dtkiko Jul 22 2011 @ 06:38pm
         
        If that's what you like my friend, then so be it.... BUT be reminded also that we do also have a Monterosport and honstely i'm not all that impressed fact-for-fact.

        If you don't like my way of imparting "truth" about what my opinions are on the Subaru versus the Monty, then so be it.... Like you however, you have your take and i will have my take too. This is aa man-to-man talk between us now Kyoichi, like a "handshake is a handshake"....
           
        • mico101 Jul 22 2011 @ 07:46pm
           
          dtkiko is performing his "Freedom of Speech". Lets respect that and if possible learn from it.
             
      • Feeter Silverster Jul 22 2011 @ 07:30pm
         
        It's not that Montero Sports is not good, but there are cited cases of it acceleration abruptly and the engine going wild. Here read it, I'm not the one behind it but it's all fact...
        http://monteroaccident.blogspot.com/
           
        • Kyoichi Sudo Jul 23 2011 @ 05:02pm
           
          i already visited that earlier and i'm hurt that mitsu isn't still giving up on the fact that there's something wrong in der montero. Aminin nyo na mitsu, ayaw na naming mga mitsufans ma-dissapoint.
             
          • Kyoichi Sudo Jul 23 2011 @ 05:04pm
             
            what i'm saying here is the website posted here by Feeter
               
      • murcielago Jul 24 2011 @ 11:49am
         
        guys lets just be friends, sharing our opinion wont make us different :]
           
    • dtkiko Jul 22 2011 @ 06:41pm
       
      If that's what you like Kyoichi, then so be it.... BUT be reminded also that we do also have a Monterosport, and honestly, i'm not all that impressed fact-for-fact.

      If you don't like my way of imparting "truth" about what my opinions are on the Subaru versus the Monty issue, then so be it.... Like you, however, you have your take and i have mine as well.

      This is now man-to-man talk between us now Kyoichi, like a "handshake is a handshake", and i will agree with you based on this condition at this very thread.
      Last modified Jul 22 2011 @ 06:44pm
         
    • Kyoichi Sudo Jul 23 2011 @ 04:57pm
       
      good, let there be peace because i have so many problems already in our school and i don't want to have more problems.
         
    • vansxtrme23 Jul 24 2011 @ 01:53pm
       
      intindihin mo na lang si dtikiko. May allergy yata siya sa mitsubishi. hehehe. peace!!!
         
  • RS500 Jul 22 2011 @ 08:08pm
     
    Guys constructive criticism naman po. Wag naman i-"shout-out" masyado. Hinay-hinay din sa replies para di nagiging magulo ang topic. Pano na lang kung binabasa ni mam to? Eh di puro away lang makikita niya, lalo lang maguguluhan si mam. Keep it cool lang guys.
        1
  • dtkiko Jul 22 2011 @ 08:30pm
     
    Feeter Silverster: "It's not that Montero Sports is not good, but there are cited cases of it acceleration abruptly and the engine going wild. Here read it, I'm not the one behind it but it's all fact...
    http://monteroaccident.blogspot.com/"


    Thanks a lot for this info Feeter! So the problem of sudden accelaration run by both auto- and manual-tranny's Monterosport is really true and it did not only happened once but several times already.... i hope that it's not counting, madamaing kawawa....

    Surely it will help a lot of us, both Monty- and non-Monterosport owners.

    Thanks for sharing another factual evidence that Mitsubishi is keeping under the radar and where the owners are left to fend for themselves the damages wrought by their very own Monterosport.

    I hope these things will never happen again, and the only way to address it is for Mitsubishi to man-enough to solve these problems from recurring because they happen!

        2
  • jabroni Jul 22 2011 @ 11:42pm
     
    kung you love speed go for forester 2.5XT pero kung practical ka lang go with a CRV, new Sportage or CX7. I won't recommend the Montero since I think it's to high and large for a lady(parang hindi bagay)...
       
  • wolfgang Jul 23 2011 @ 01:15am
     
    A lady driven Montero is a huge temptation to carjackers. Also, haven't heard of a Forester being stolen.
       
  • TEXAN-boy Jul 23 2011 @ 08:07am
     
    almost 90% of lady drivers are on a short trip drive, why sacrifice on a diesel, oil-burner engines are typically fit for trucks, drive a Subaru madam-----
       
  • murcielago Jul 23 2011 @ 09:24am
     
    says Try other brands that will arrive sooner here at phil. like the new Chevy traverse, or the captiva, you can also chose the Hyundai Santa Fe which is Diesel Variant, or the Honda CR-V, but if you are willing to deal with the two cars that you compare, I'm voting for the Montero, because montero has lot of surprises in terms of Torque and HP, the same as Subaru, The height and the Space provided by the Mitsubishi and the Very well stabilized Shock, is the best in its class, also the all new GTV version of Montero makes you feel like driving a subaru, While In terms of filling up a Subaru, you should fill a high octane gasoline, to feel the power of the subaru,, while Monty which is diesel has the power even if you dont fill a high octane diesel, its your choice we just guide you :] have a family meeting, Family knows best :]]
        4
    • murcielago Jul 24 2011 @ 11:46am
       
      Those who dislikes, i know you like subaru :] you can send me a message if you dont like my post :] its ok for me, im just telling my side :]
         
  • vansxtrme23 Jul 23 2011 @ 01:20pm
     
    Forester for a lady and Montero sport for a guy! That's it!
       
    • gvm0116 Jul 23 2011 @ 02:28pm
       
      Hell, even guys driving a Montero would want to get behind the wheels of the Forester.
          1
      • vansxtrme23 Jul 24 2011 @ 01:46pm
         
        not really. I own 2011 montero and I'm already satisfied with this SUV. It depends on your intention of having your car, for me I'm not a fan of a fast SUV, SUV is something to display, so I even put 24" on my montero. And it was really really gorgeous that's why I like montero. For speeding I have my car '09 Lancer Evo X, now that's where I put all my adrenalin in speeding. So, if you're thinking guys should get Forester because it's fast? Nah..
        Still a SUV.
        This is my point of view, everyone have their own.
           
  • dtkiko Jul 23 2011 @ 02:56pm
     
    To GUEST:

    Sir, tama po kayo!!!! Kudos!!!!

    Pasensiya na rin po, hindi naman po talaga technical guy si Botchi kaya obserbasyon lang naman po ang ibinabahagi niya sir where he would make an assumptions on what he see and then base his writings on his understanding.... We don't even know po if somebody is "dictating him" what to write, like for example, a consultant working for a company where he is also told by the client, say a department head, what to write in the report that can be pleasing to the management ---- it happens po....

    Ang compression ratio po ng Forester 2.5XT ay 8.4 : 1. Heto po ang link:
    http://www.motorimage.net/PH/showroom/Forester/MY09/?pg=datasheet&id=specifications

    i come from a dirtbiking background po and i have bikes that run in low compression ratio of 7.2 : 1 and 9.2 to 11.0 : 1. Sa aking lower compression bike po ang minimum lang naman ay 87-octane, but since 93-octane ang available, ito na po ang ginagamit ko. Doon naman po sa isang bike na may mataas na compression ratio, ang minimum po na gamit ko, base na rin po sa user's manual, ay 95-octane and above.

    Kaya tama po kayo diyan sa Forester niyo, tiyak between 93-octane to 95-octane lang po minimum requirement niyan. Bilang owner ng isang Forester at base na rin sa compression ratio specifications nito, mas paniniwalaan po namin kayo....

    Hindi din po ibig sabihin na lahat ng sinasabi ni Botchi dito na unfortunately ay influential sa mga ibang nagbabasa nating kapatid sa kotse ay pawang totoo.... Ito po ay pananaw ko lang po base sa mga technical na aspeto ng diskusiyon as an "outsider looking into" Botchi's way of writings.... My personal opinion ko lang po ---- mas mainam po na si Mr. Ferman Lao ang columnista dito sa "Wrong Car-Right Car" choices....
    Last modified Jul 23 2011 @ 03:09pm
       
    • bruce Jul 25 2011 @ 01:49pm
       
      wow! mukhang walang credibility si sir botchi! hehe.. peace! ;)
         
  • dtkiko Jul 23 2011 @ 04:04pm
     
    SUBARU FORESTER 2.5 XT

    Top speed 207 kilometres per hour at an estimated 4640 rpm in 4th-gear (copy and paste link)
    http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n624/dtk1/Forester25XT-1.jpg

    Personal estimates on the attached link are based on 100% mechanical efficiency, not taking into account drag effect etc.

    Published specs: http://www.motorimage.net/PH/showroom/Forester/MY09/?pg=datasheet&id=specifications

    Peak power: 230 hp at 5200 rpm
    Peak torque: 320 Nm at 2800 rpm
    Top speed: 207 kph

    Judging by the graph, the Forester pulls really hard and long through the gear-shifts starting at an interval where the peak torque is nearly located (namely 2574 rpm, 3003 rpm, and 3220 rpm). Theoretically, it is able to reach its published top speed of 207 kph in 4th-gear at a much lower rev of 4640 rpm than the odometer rpm-redline of 6700 rpm and lower than 5200 rpm where its peak power of 230 metric-hp is churning out....

    The Forester is really really fast and is one ultra-finely tuned car, DEFINITELY A MUST HAVE! hehehehe....
    Last modified Jul 23 2011 @ 04:08pm
       
    • Kyoichi Sudo Jul 23 2011 @ 05:12pm
       
      actually, i'm not fond of hating Subaru because my dad loves Subaru especially the Impreza STI sedan. To clear things guys i'm not voting the Forester because i'm a mitsufan but i'm not saying that the Forester is a bad choice. Yes, the Forester is a good SUV and its very rare(but i think if there were many Subaru Dealerships in the Philippines, the Forester wouldn't be rare) and a very reliable SUV.
          1
      • gvm0116 Jul 23 2011 @ 06:59pm
         
        Sir, I respect your love for Mitsubishi, however, I think there is more to being subjectively fair or just here than being a fan of some car brand. Which of the two do you think is better? That is the issue, I think. In this case, we can surmise which of the two we think is better by means of comparing spec sheets, professional reviews, owners' feedback and personal experience (if any), among others. It is through this why I prefer the Lancer Evo X over the Impreza WRX STi and mind you, I love the latter. Although the comparison between the Forester and the Montero Sport is like comparing Kobe and Shaq (in his prime), regardless of looks, but that's already a given. Between the mentioned cars? I'd go with the Forester in a heartbeat.
           
        • Kyoichi Sudo Jul 24 2011 @ 11:19am
           
          if mitsubishi ph bought the new outlander here, that should be the one being compared to the Forester especially the Outlander GT.
             
      • dtkiko Jul 24 2011 @ 12:19am
         
        Gvm0116:

        Sir, i think i give it a shot though i'm not an owner of either cars, besides the fact too that i'm not fond of cars.

        In my case, based on the spec sheets i would choose the manual-tranny Subie WRX-STi over the manual-tranny Evo X, because of the following:

        1. Makes more power at a relatively lower-rev (305 metric-hp at 6000 rpm versus 295 metric-hp at 6500 rpm);

        2. Puts out the almost the same torque (407 to 408 Nm at 4000 rpm);

        3. Has bigger engine i.e. 2.5-litre versus 2.0-litre;

        4. Because it has a bigger engine, it can afford to have a slightly lower compression ratio (8.2 : 1 against 9.0 : 1) ---- which also means with a head mod on the STi-WRX, the squish clearance can still be "tightened" and tuned further to gain an increased in compression and derived extra power from it;

        5. Because in stock-trim, it has a lower compression ratio, the "minimum" fuel grade requirement is 93-octane against a 95-octane and up "minimum" for the Evo X. But of course, both cars would dramatically benefit from a higher octane-boost;

        6. It has 6-speed manual-tranny against a 5-speed manual-tranny;

        7. Has a slightly shorter wheelbase where handling in terms of "tight" cornering at speed is better, not sure though on high-speed straight-line stability, which of the two is more stable since the Evo X traction can opt for the all-wheel control mode like the Subie's natural all-wheel drive;

        8. It weighs lesser by 102 kg; and

        9. It cost way lesser ---- PhP2.50 M for the WRX-STi against PhP3.25M. The 6-speed auto-tranny Evo-X, on the other hand, cost PhP3.69 M HUWAAAAW!

        But, this is just me sir....
        Last modified Jul 24 2011 @ 12:25am
           
        • gvm0116 Jul 24 2011 @ 09:43am
           
          @dtkiko - Thanks for the info, sir. Didn't know the Evo weighs 102kg more, though I know it's heavier, but never expected to be that much. Didn't notice the difference when I got the chance to drive my friend's cars and compare both, though. Actually I was driving the twin-clutch SST 6 speed variant (where my friend got his car is anyone's guess. Lucky bastard). In spite of its weight and power advantage, I find the Subaru to be less agile and when provoked, it understeers, as expected, like all WRXs before. The Evo on the other hand, feels nimbler, sharper and engaging. Poke it with a stick and it lets its tail step out of line but very controllable, which is fun. Lastly, I don't like the current styling of the Impreza. Well, that's just me. If I have a bit more money and if it were likewise available, I'd get the more civilized, less expensive, less powerful but more refined VW Golf R for driving around town. hehehe
             
  • gurojam Jul 25 2011 @ 07:22pm
     
    on second thought i prefer the Gas Variants because of the Maintenance on the mOntero which was way way high. Had a GLS Montero and had a pain in the pocket come PMS for 5,000 and 10,000.
    Go for the Subaru, Diesel is not a good choice.
       
  • 17Sphynx17 Jul 26 2011 @ 08:28pm
     
    Among the two and your description, i would say definitely go for the Subaru =)

    And if you are open to it, take a second look at the Hyundai Sta Fe that's a 4x4. =)
        1
  • allanski Jul 28 2011 @ 11:41am
     
    The choice should depend on the everyday circumstances that the buyer is facing;

    1. Space requirement - does she really need a 7 seater over a 5 seater
    2. Does she require heavy hauling or balik bayan duties
    3. Does she live in a flood prone area
    4. Or will she be doing city driving most of the time

    She should consider this factors when deciding to purchase the car, since she has already focused her search to the 2 vehicles.
       
  • dtkiko Jul 29 2011 @ 11:04pm
     
    Ms. Hera may also look into the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe R eVGT as an option.

    The Santa Fe is a 7-seater SUV/ CUV, got the highest horsepower and torque rating amongst all diesel SUV (except against its big-brother 3.0-litre Hyundai Veracruz and against the super-expensive German-made SUV's in the local market), stomping all the Japanese-made along the way, even the expensive 2011 3.0-litre diesel Toyota Prado.

    Aside from its advanced and powerful engine (197 ps with 435 Nm torque), the Santa Fe R eVGT has the best high-speed straight-line stability, best manoeuvring manners, best highway fuel consumption even at high-speeds achieving around 18.5 km per litre mileage, it achieves the highest 5-star Euro NCAP rating in terms of passenger safety upon impact, it is the best selling SUV in Europe, and it cost only PhP1.55 M for a 4x2 model, and PhP1.78 M for a 4x4.

    Moreover, at its published top-speed of 190 km per hour, it can achieve this break-neck speed while running only at an engine radial speed of 3392 rpm (kindly copy-and-paste link)
    http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n624/dtk1/SantaFe22ReVGT-2.jpg

    The Santa Fe is simply unmatched, outstanding, a product of superb and advanced engineering even for a commoner's car, SIMPLY A CLASS ON ITS OWN!

    Goodluck on your choice Ms. Hera....
    Last modified Jul 29 2011 @ 11:24pm
        1
  • ryanjoseph24 Aug 10 2011 @ 10:21pm
     
    gudevening po! sana po magkaroon po kyo ng comparison test ng mga toyota altis 1.6v,mazda3 laht ng 1.6 n engines
       
  • Rtyle79 Sep 07 2011 @ 12:10pm
     
    Lol! I'd like to see that Forester go through 4-feet deep of water w/o stalling. Like this 2011 Montero http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKvRmOCIZG0&feature=player_embedded
       
  • Marco Centeno Oct 14 2011 @ 09:11pm
     
    I will go in Montero Sport It's a diesel powered engine 2.5 liter you can bring 6 to 7 passenger..the interior design was truly sporty look with GPS,Mp3 music AUX jack and steering audio remote..
       
  • torquebender Jan 15 2012 @ 10:03am
     
    hindi po ba mahirap maghanap ng piyesa ng subaru d2 sa pilipinas? kahit san ba meron?
       
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