Subaru Enthusiasts :: The Boxer Engine

Boxer Engine

Every Subaru has a boxer engine. For that matter, so does every new Porsche. And they all use the boxer engine for the same reason -- performance.

In a boxer engine, the cylinders are horizontally opposed. When you look straight down on the engine, the pistons look like a boxer's fists going back and forth towards the other pistons, one side against the other. In most engines, such as in-line or vee engines, the cylinders are set vertically. What difference does it make? Quite a bit, when it comes to handling. A boxer engine sits lower in the engine compartment, which creates a lower center of gravity. That means the car has increased stability through turns, superior control and less susceptibility to body roll when cornering. Not only is it safer, it just feels more stable when you drive it.

And though we don't claim that your Subaru will outrun a Porsche, you'll find it has plenty of zip to get you on the highway. Just as important, our boxer engines have proven themselves to be remarkably reliable on the most important test track there is -- the real world.