Japan vs Japan — 2004 vs 1969
| Forester STI SG9 | 360 Young SS | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 265 hp | 36 hp |
| Torque | 279 lb-ft | 30 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,457 cc | 356 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.3 sec | 37.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 143 mph | 65 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.8 sec | — |
| Weight | 3,263 lbs | 904 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,525 mm | 1,800 mm |
| Length | 4,485 mm | 2,995 mm |
| Value (Excellent) | $40,000 | $18,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2004 Subaru Forester STI SG9 brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1969 Subaru 360 Young SS answers with lighter weight, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Subaru has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 2004 Subaru Forester STI SG9 with the 1969 Subaru 360 Young SS highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2004 Subaru Forester STI SG9 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 265 hp compared to 36 hp, a 229-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Subaru Forester STI uses a Flat-4 DOHC 16-valve turbo (EJ255) displacing 2,457 cc, while the Subaru 360 relies on a Flat-2 2-stroke with 356 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2004 Subaru Forester STI SG9 edges ahead at 5.3 seconds versus 37.5 seconds. The Subaru 360 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 2359 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 2004 Subaru Forester STI SG9 commands a significant premium over the 1969 Subaru 360 Young SS, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.