1989 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 touring wagon VZ air suspension Specs

OVERVIEW

With a fuel consumption of 21.1 mpg US - 25.4 mpg UK - 11.1 L/100km, a weight of 3020 lbs (1370 kg), the Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 touring wagon VZ air suspension has a water cooling horizontal opposite 4 cylinder DOHC16 valve engine, a Regular gasoline engine EJ20. This engine EJ20 produces a maximum power of 152 PS (150 bhp - 111.8 kW) at 6800 rpm and a maximum torque of 171.6 Nm (126.5 lb.ft - 17.5 kg.m) at 5200 rpm. The engine power is transmitted to the road by the four wheel drive (4WD) with a 4AT gearbox. For stopping power, the Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 touring wagon VZ air suspension braking system includes Disk at the rear and Ventilated disk at the front. Stock tire sizes are 185/65 on 14 inch rims 85H at the rear and 185/65 on 14 inch rims 85H at the front. Chassis details - Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 touring wagon VZ air suspension has McPherson strut air spring rear suspension and McPherson strut air spring front suspension for road holding and ride confort.

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By Brian Wong, Reviewed by: Kurt Niebuhr, Updated on April 23, 2024

Overview of the 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ

The 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ with air suspension represented a distinctive offering in Subaru's lineup during that era. This wagon, known for its robust performance and innovative suspension system, catered to drivers seeking a blend of versatility and comfort.

Production Period: Manufactured from February 1989 to April 1990, the Legacy Wagon VZ was available for a limited time, making it a sought-after choice for those seeking its unique features.

Drivetrain: Equipped with a 4WD system, this Subaru wagon ensured excellent traction and stability, particularly beneficial for varied driving conditions.

Body Type: The Legacy Wagon VZ featured a wagon body type, offering a spacious interior and ample cargo capacity, making it an ideal choice for families or outdoor enthusiasts.

Transmission: Its 4-speed automatic transmission made it user-friendly and suitable for both city and highway driving.

Engine: Under the hood, the EJ20 engine, known for its reliability and performance, powered the Legacy Wagon VZ. This 1994 cm³ engine provided ample power for various driving scenarios.

Frame: Identified by the E-BFA frame name, this wagon was built on a sturdy platform designed to withstand diverse road conditions.

Price: The initial price of the new car in Tokyo was 2,390,000 Yen, positioning it as a reasonably priced option in its segment.

The Legacy Wagon VZ's distinctive characteristics extended beyond its core specifications, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a reliable and versatile vehicle.

Engine Specifications of the Legacy Wagon VZ

The heart of the 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ with air suspension lay in its impressive engine specifications. Powering this unique wagon was the EJ20 engine, renowned for its reliability and performance.

Engine Code: Under the hood, you'd find the EJ20 engine, known by enthusiasts for its robustness and longevity.

Maximum Power: With a maximum power output of 152 PS (150 bhp) or 111.8 kW, the Legacy Wagon VZ provided ample horsepower for various driving scenarios.

Maximum Power RPM: This power peak was achieved at 6800 rpm, showcasing the engine's willingness to rev and deliver performance when needed.

Maximum Torque: The engine produced a maximum torque of 171.6 Nm (126.5 lb.ft) or 17.5 kg.m, providing solid low-end and mid-range power for confident acceleration.

Maximum Torque RPM: The torque peak was reached at 5200 rpm, further demonstrating the engine's versatility.

Engine Type: Featuring water cooling, a horizontal opposed layout, 4 cylinders, and a DOHC 16-valve configuration, the EJ20 was engineered for efficiency and performance.

Fuel Type: Designed to run on regular gasoline, the Legacy Wagon VZ struck a balance between power and fuel efficiency.

Fuel Consumption: With fuel consumption figures of 21.1 mpg (10/15 mode) and an impressive 37.9 mpg (60 km/h mode), this Subaru wagon offered fuel efficiency that was quite commendable for its time.

Gear Ratios: The transmission was complemented by gear ratios including 1st (2.785), 2nd (1.545), 3rd (1), 4th (0.694), and a rear gear ratio of 2.272, ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery.

Compression Ratio: The engine's compression ratio was set at 10, contributing to its performance characteristics.

Bore and Stroke: The engine featured a bore of 9.2 cm (3.62 inches) and a stroke of 7.5 cm (2.95 inches), dimensions carefully engineered for the ideal balance of power and efficiency.

The engine specifications of the 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ underscored its capability, offering a blend of power, efficiency, and reliability that catered to a wide range of drivers and driving conditions.

Fuel Tank Capacity and Fueling Options

The 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ with air suspension was not only known for its performance and unique features but also for its practicality when it came to fuel tank capacity and fueling options.

Fuel Tank Capacity: This Subaru wagon featured a fuel tank with a capacity of 15.8 US gallons (13.1 UK gallons or 60 liters). This provided a decent range for both city and highway driving, reducing the need for frequent refueling stops.

Fueling Options: Designed to run on regular gasoline, the Legacy Wagon VZ offered convenience and accessibility when it came to fueling. This meant drivers could easily find suitable fuel options without the need for specialized or premium fuels.

The combination of a reasonably sized fuel tank and compatibility with regular gasoline made the Legacy Wagon VZ a practical choice for daily commuting, long-distance travel, and outdoor adventures, catering to a wide range of driving preferences and needs.

Fuel Consumption Ratings for the Legacy Wagon VZ

The fuel consumption ratings for the 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ with air suspension were noteworthy, reflecting a balance between performance and efficiency for this versatile wagon.

10/15 Mode: In standard testing conditions (10/15 mode), this Legacy Wagon VZ achieved a fuel consumption rate of 21.1 mpg (miles per gallon) in the United States, or 25.4 mpg in the United Kingdom. Alternatively, this equated to approximately 11.1 liters per 100 kilometers.

60 km/h Mode: Under more controlled, lower-speed conditions (60 km/h mode), the fuel efficiency improved significantly, reaching approximately 37.9 mpg in the United States or 45.5 mpg in the United Kingdom. This was equivalent to about 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers.

These fuel consumption ratings highlighted the Legacy Wagon VZ's ability to provide reasonably economical fuel usage, particularly during steady highway cruising at lower speeds. This characteristic made it an appealing choice for drivers looking to balance performance with fuel efficiency in their daily and long-distance driving experiences.

Fuel Capacity: How Much Can It Hold?

The fuel capacity of the 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ with air suspension was designed to accommodate the needs of both urban and long-distance drivers.

With a fuel tank capacity of approximately 15.8 US gallons (13.1 UK gallons or 60 liters), this Subaru wagon offered a well-balanced storage for fuel. This capacity allowed for extended driving ranges, reducing the frequency of refueling stops.

Whether for daily commuting or embarking on a road trip, the Legacy Wagon VZ's fuel tank size provided drivers with the convenience of fewer stops at gas stations, making it a practical choice for various driving scenarios and distances.

Calculating Fuel Average (MPG) for Your Legacy Wagon

Calculating the fuel average (miles per gallon or MPG) for your 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ with air suspension can be a practical exercise to gauge your vehicle's efficiency and performance. To calculate the MPG, follow these steps:

1. Fill the Tank: Start by filling your fuel tank to the brim, ensuring it's completely full.

2. Reset the Odometer: Reset your vehicle's trip odometer or record the current mileage on your regular odometer.

3. Drive Normally: Drive your Legacy Wagon VZ as you normally would for a reasonable distance. It's recommended to drive at least 100 miles (or 160 kilometers) to get an accurate MPG calculation.

4. Refill the Tank: After your drive, refill the fuel tank to the same level as it was at the beginning. Be sure to note the number of gallons (or liters) of fuel you added.

5. Calculate MPG: To calculate the MPG, divide the number of miles you drove by the number of gallons (or liters) of fuel you added.

For example, if you drove 200 miles and added 10 gallons of fuel, the calculation would be:

MPG = 200 miles / 10 gallons = 20 MPG

This calculation will provide you with the average fuel efficiency for your Legacy Wagon VZ during that specific driving period. Keep in mind that MPG can vary depending on driving conditions, your driving style, and the maintenance of your vehicle. Regularly calculating your MPG can help you monitor your vehicle's fuel efficiency and make adjustments for more economical driving habits if needed.

Dimensions and Sizes of the 1989-1990 Legacy Wagon

The 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ with air suspension offered dimensions and sizes that contributed to its spacious and versatile interior, making it suitable for various needs.

Exterior Dimensions:
- Length: Approximately 460 cm (181.1 inches)
- Width: About 169 cm (66.53 inches)
- Height: Around 149 cm (58.66 inches)

Interior Dimensions:
- Length: Approximately 182 cm (71.65 inches)
- Width: About 141.5 cm (55.7 inches)
- Height: Around 120.5 cm (47.44 inches)

Wheelbase: With a wheelbase of 258 cm (101.57 inches), the Legacy Wagon VZ had a balanced and stable stance on the road.

Axle Length:
- Front Axle Length: Approximately 146 cm (57.48 inches)
- Rear Axle Length: Around 145 cm (57.08 inches)

Ground Clearance: The wagon featured a ground clearance of 16.5 cm (6.49 inches), which provided adequate clearance for various road conditions, including rough terrain.

Weight: The curb weight of the Legacy Wagon VZ was approximately 1370 kg (3020 lbs), contributing to its handling and stability.

Seating: With seating for up to five passengers, this Subaru wagon offered ample room for both passengers and cargo.

Doors: The Legacy Wagon VZ had five doors, providing easy access to the cabin and cargo area.

Turning Circle: The vehicle boasted a minimum turning circle of 5.1 meters (approximately 16.73 feet), which made it maneuverable in tight spaces and city driving.

These dimensions and sizes highlighted the Legacy Wagon VZ's practicality and adaptability, whether you needed a spacious family vehicle or a versatile wagon for your various transportation needs.

Wheel Options for the Subaru Legacy Wagon VZ

The 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ with air suspension offered a range of wheel options to suit different preferences and driving conditions. These wheel choices played a significant role in the vehicle's overall aesthetics and performance characteristics.

Front and Rear Tire Dimensions: The Legacy Wagon VZ featured wheels with tire dimensions of 185/65 R14 85H for both the front and rear. These tires provided a balanced combination of grip and comfort, suitable for a wide range of road conditions.

Aluminum Disk: The standard inclusion of aluminum disks added not only a touch of sophistication but also contributed to reduced unsprung weight, enhancing the vehicle's handling and responsiveness.

The chosen wheel options for the Legacy Wagon VZ ensured that drivers had reliable and efficient tires suitable for both urban and highway driving. Whether for daily commuting or more adventurous trips, these wheel choices complemented the vehicle's overall performance and appearance.

Comparing Engine Choices in the Legacy Wagon

The 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ with air suspension was powered by the EJ20 engine, which offered a blend of performance and reliability. However, when comparing engine choices within the Legacy Wagon lineup during that time, there were variations to consider.

The EJ20 engine, with its 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve configuration, was known for its smooth operation and commendable power output. It generated a maximum power of 152 PS (150 bhp) or 111.8 kW, and a peak torque of 171.6 Nm (126.5 lb.ft) or 17.5 kg.m. This engine was a balanced choice for drivers seeking a versatile and fuel-efficient powerplant.

While the EJ20 was the standard engine for the Legacy Wagon VZ, Subaru also offered other engine options in the broader Legacy lineup. These options included larger displacement engines and turbocharged variants, catering to drivers with varying performance preferences. These engines typically delivered more power but might have sacrificed some fuel efficiency compared to the EJ20.

In summary, the 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ's EJ20 engine represented a balanced choice, providing adequate power and efficiency for a wide range of driving scenarios. However, for those seeking more power or specific performance characteristics, Subaru offered alternative engine choices within the Legacy lineup to meet different driving needs and preferences.

Fuel Efficiency: Understanding MPG and Its Impact

Understanding fuel efficiency, as measured by miles per gallon (MPG), is crucial when evaluating the 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ with air suspension, as it directly impacts the cost of ownership and environmental considerations.

MPG Defined: MPG is a measure of how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel. It represents the number of miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. In the context of the Legacy Wagon VZ, fuel efficiency is an important factor to consider, especially for those who drive regularly or cover long distances.

Importance of Fuel Efficiency: Fuel efficiency impacts several aspects of vehicle ownership:

1. Operating Costs: A more fuel-efficient vehicle generally requires less frequent refueling, reducing the overall cost of driving over time.

2. Environmental Impact: Vehicles with higher MPG ratings tend to produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.

3. Range: A fuel-efficient vehicle can travel longer distances on a single tank of fuel, which can be beneficial for long road trips or when driving in remote areas with limited access to gas stations.

4. Resale Value: Fuel-efficient vehicles often retain their value better in the used car market, making them a wise investment.

Legacy Wagon VZ MPG: The Legacy Wagon VZ offered respectable MPG figures, making it a practical choice for a wide range of drivers. Its MPG can vary based on factors such as driving conditions, maintenance, and driving habits. Regular maintenance, proper tire inflation, and conscientious driving can all help maximize fuel efficiency.

Driving Habits: Efficient driving practices, such as smooth acceleration and braking, maintaining a steady speed on the highway, and minimizing idling, can significantly impact MPG.

In conclusion, understanding MPG and its impact is crucial when considering the 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ. It not only affects your operating costs but also contributes to environmental sustainability and overall driving satisfaction.

Exploring the Air Suspension in the Legacy Wagon VZ

The 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ with air suspension was distinguished by its innovative air suspension system, adding an extra layer of comfort and adaptability to the driving experience.

Air Suspension: Unlike traditional coil spring suspensions, the Legacy Wagon VZ was equipped with an air suspension system, also known as an air spring suspension. This system relied on compressed air to support the vehicle's weight and dampen road shocks and vibrations.

Adjustable Ride Height: One of the key advantages of air suspension was its ability to adjust the ride height of the vehicle. This meant that drivers could raise or lower the vehicle to suit different driving conditions. For example, when driving on rough or uneven terrain, raising the ride height provided added ground clearance. Conversely, for highway driving or improved aerodynamics, lowering the ride height was an option. This adaptability enhanced both off-road capability and on-road performance.

Improved Comfort: Air suspension also contributed to a smoother and more comfortable ride. By adjusting the air pressure in the springs, the system could soften or stiffen the suspension as needed, ensuring that passengers experienced less jarring over bumps and potholes.

Load-Leveling: Another benefit of air suspension was load-leveling. It automatically adjusted the suspension height to compensate for changes in cargo weight, maintaining a consistent ride height and improving stability.

Control and Convenience: Many air suspension systems offered driver-selectable modes or presets, allowing the driver to choose between different ride settings. This level of control added to the Legacy Wagon VZ's versatility, making it suitable for various driving scenarios.

While air suspension systems can be more complex and require occasional maintenance, they offer a unique blend of comfort, adaptability, and improved performance. In the case of the 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ, the inclusion of air suspension elevated the driving experience, making it a notable feature for those seeking a versatile and comfortable wagon.

Conclusion: The Legacy Wagon VZ's Specs and Features

Summing up the specifications and features of the 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ with air suspension provides a comprehensive overview of this unique vehicle.

Performance: Powered by the EJ20 engine, the Legacy Wagon VZ delivered a balanced mix of power and efficiency. With 4WD traction and a 4-speed automatic transmission, it offered stability and ease of driving, whether in urban settings or venturing off-road.

Body and Dimensions: The wagon body type, combined with spacious interior and cargo dimensions, made it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike. The exterior dimensions provided a comfortable footprint on the road, while the air suspension system allowed for adjustable ride height and load-leveling.

Fuel Efficiency: The Legacy Wagon VZ showcased impressive fuel efficiency, with competitive MPG figures in both standard and controlled testing conditions. This made it an economical choice for daily commuting and long-distance journeys.

Air Suspension: The standout feature was the air suspension system, which allowed for customizable ride heights and improved comfort. This feature added to the wagon's adaptability and off-road capability.

Safety and Amenities: While lacking some modern safety features, the Legacy Wagon VZ came equipped with power windows, power steering, centralized door locking, and other conveniences. Some optional features included cruise control, adding to the driving experience.

In conclusion, the 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.0 Touring Wagon VZ with air suspension presented a well-rounded package for its time. Its unique combination of features, including the air suspension system, made it a standout choice for those seeking versatility, comfort, and adaptability in a wagon. Whether used for daily commuting or exploring the outdoors, the Legacy Wagon VZ offered a blend of practicality and innovation.

FAQ: Common Questions About the 1989-1990 Subaru Legacy Wagon VZ Air Suspension