Japan vs Japan — 1986 vs 1969
| XT Turbo 4WD | 360 Young SS | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 135 hp | 36 hp |
| Torque | 141 lb-ft | 30 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,781 cc | 356 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.8 sec | 37.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 121 mph | 65 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.7 sec | — |
| Weight | 2,679 lbs | 904 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,595 mm | 1,800 mm |
| Length | 4,510 mm | 2,995 mm |
| Units Produced | 97,500 | — |
| Original MSRP | $18,495 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $28,000 | $18,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 6/10 |
On balance, the 1986 Subaru XT Turbo 4WD makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1969 Subaru 360 Young SS counters with lighter weight, better value, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1986 Subaru XT Turbo 4WD for outright capability, or the 1969 Subaru 360 Young SS for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Subaru has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1986 Subaru XT Turbo 4WD with the 1969 Subaru 360 Young SS highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1986 Subaru XT Turbo 4WD holds a clear advantage in raw power with 135 hp compared to 36 hp, a 99-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Subaru XT uses a Flat-4 SOHC Turbo displacing 1,781 cc, while the Subaru 360 relies on a Flat-2 2-stroke with 356 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1986 Subaru XT Turbo 4WD edges ahead at 8.8 seconds versus 37.5 seconds. The Subaru 360 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1775 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.