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Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 49 advantages that the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback has over the Subaru Impreza HB.
| MSRP Range | |
| Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback | |
| Subaru Impreza HB | |
Performance
Engine
The standard engine in the Lancer Sportback is larger than the standard engine in the Impreza HB, as detailed below by trim:
 | | | Standard Engine | |
| Lancer Sportback ES | | 2.0L I4 | |
| Lancer Sportback GT | | 2.4L I4 | |
| Impreza HB | | 2.0L H4 | |
The standard engine in the Lancer Sportback 2.4L I4 is more powerful, with more horsepower than the standard engine in the Impreza HB 2.0L H4, 168 HP vs. 148 HP.
The Lancer Sportback's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the Impreza HB's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:
| | | RPM's to Peak Torque | | RPM's to Peak HP | |
| Lancer Sportback ES 2.0L I4 | | - | | 6000 | |
| Lancer Sportback GT 2.4L I4 | | 4100 | | 6000 | |
| Impreza HB | | 4200 | | 6200 | |
With 167 lb-ft of torque, the standard engine in Lancer Sportback 2.4L I4 has more low-end power than the standard engine in the Impreza HB 2.0L H4, which has 145 lb-ft of torque.
Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle. The Lancer Sportback, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Impreza HB, as detailed below by trim level and engine:
| | | Power To Weight Ratio | |
| Lancer Sportback ES 2.0L I4 | | 20.6 | |
| Lancer Sportback GT 2.4L I4 | | 18.8 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i 5-Dr. 2.0L H4 | | 20 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Limited 5-Dr. 2.0L H4 | | 20.7 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Premium 5-Dr. 2.0L H4 | | 20 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Sport Limited 2.0L H4 | | 20.7 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Sport Premium 2.0L H4 | | 20 | |
Reliability
The Lancer Sportback has a larger engine displacement than the Impreza HB. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life. Details by engine below:
| | | Displacement CC | |
| Lancer Sportback 2.0L I4 | | 1998 cc | |
| Lancer Sportback 2.4L I4 | | 2360 cc | |
| Impreza HB | | 1995 cc | |
Transmission
The Standard adaptive automatic transmission in the Lancer Sportback is a computer-controlled system that automatically adapts response and performance according to driving styles and road conditions. For example, the system selects optimal shift points and determines the proper gear necessary to climb steep grades or drive downhill. This type of transmission is Not Available in the Impreza HB.
The Lancer Sportback GT has a Standard manually interactive automatic transmission. This type of automatic transmission gives the driver complete gear control, like a manually-shifted transmission, but without the inconvenient clutch. The type of transmission is Optional in the Impreza HB (2.0i 5-Dr., 2.0i Premium 5-Dr., 2.0i Sport Premium).
WarrantyBasic Warranty
Mitsubishi's basic warranty provides better coverage than Subaru's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).
| | | Basic Warranty Months | | Basic Warranty Miles | |
| Lancer Sportback | | 60 | | 60000 | |
| Impreza HB | | 36 | | 36000 | |
Powertrain Warranty
Mitsubishi's powertrain warranty offers better coverage than the Subaru's. This warranty covers most of the parts that make the car move such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles.
| | | Powertrain Warranty Months | | Powertrain Warranty Miles | |
| Lancer Sportback | | 120 | | 100000 | |
| Impreza HB | | 60 | | 60000 | |
Corrosion Warranty
Mitsubishi's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Subaru's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).
| | | Corrosion Warranty Months | |
| Lancer Sportback | | 84 | |
| Impreza HB | | 60 | |
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The Lancer Sportback ES has a larger fuel tank than the Impreza HB, 15.5 gal. vs. 14.5 gal. This may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel.
The Lancer Sportback 2.0L I4 gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the Impreza HB 2.0L H4, 418.5 mi. vs. 406 mi.
Cost to Own
The base MSRP on the Lancer Sportback is less than the base MSRP on the Impreza HB as shown in the table below.
| | | Base Price MSRP | |
| Lancer Sportback ES | | 18,395 | |
| Lancer Sportback GT | | 21,345 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Premium 5-Dr. | | 19,295 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Sport Premium | | 20,295 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Limited 5-Dr. | | 22,095 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Sport Limited | | 22,595 | |
Airbags
Both the Lancer Sportback and the Impreza HB feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.
Children and smaller adults may not be safe in a seat with a front passenger airbag. In fact, front airbags can be especially dangerous to rear-facing carseats. The Lancer Sportback features a Standard passenger airbag cutoff switch, allowing the the front passenger airbag to be manually deactivated. A deactivation switch is Not Available in the Impreza HB.
General Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The Lancer Sportback is heavier than the Impreza HB, shown below by trim level and transmission type:
| | | Curb Weight AT | |
| Lancer Sportback ES | | 3,054 lbs. | |
| Lancer Sportback GT | | 3,164 lbs. | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i 5-Dr. | | 2,976 lbs. | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Premium 5-Dr. | | 3,009 lbs. | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Sport Premium | | 3,075 lbs. | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Limited 5-Dr. | | 3,053 lbs. | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Sport Limited | | 3,086 lbs. | |
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The Lancer Sportback is longer than the Impreza HB, 180.4 in. vs. 173.8 in.
The Lancer Sportback is equipped with Standard FWD.
Fog lights are Standard on the Lancer Sportback GT but they are Optional on the Impreza HB (2.0i 5-Dr., 2.0i Premium 5-Dr.). Fog lights are very effective at improving visibility in foggy and other difficult driving situations.
High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Optional on the Lancer Sportback GT but Not Available Impreza HB. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.
The Lancer Sportback has Standard perimeter lighting, improving safety by illuminating the area around the vehicle while entering and exiting at night. Perimeter lighting is Not Available on the Impreza HB.
The Lancer Sportback GT has Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers that are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. This type of wiper is Not Available on the Impreza HB.
CapacitiesInterior Space
The Lancer Sportback has more interior space than the Impreza HB in the following areas:
| | | Hip Room, Front | | Hip Room, Rear | | Leg Room, Rear | | Shoulder Room, Rear | |
| Lancer Sportback | | 53.3 in. | | 54.1 in. | | 35.9 in. | | 54.3 in. | |
| Impreza HB | | 52.2 in. | | 53.1 in. | | 35.4 in. | | 54.2 in. | |
Cargo Space
The Lancer Sportback has a Standard rear seat pass through, allowing very long items, like snow skis to be transported inside the vehicle. A rear seat pass through is Not Available in the Impreza HB.
Standard second row fold-down armrests provide a place for the second row passengers to to rest their forearms for added comfort. Second row fold-down armrests are Not Available in the Impreza HB (2.0i 5-Dr., 2.0i Premium 5-Dr., 2.0i Sport Premium).
Suspension and HandlingChassis
The Lancer Sportback GT, with its higher minimum ground clearance, 5.8 in. vs. 5.7 in., is more capable than the Impreza HB (2.0i 5-Dr., 2.0i Limited 5-Dr., 2.0i Premium 5-Dr.) of traversing rough terrain without problems.
The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the Lancer Sportback is greater than that of the Impreza HB. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.
| | | Track, Front | | Track, Rear | |
| Lancer Sportback | | 60.2 in. | | 60.2 in. | |
| Impreza HB | | 59.4 in. | | 59.6 in. | |
Wheels and Tires
The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the Lancer Sportback may provide better handling capability than those on the Impreza HB. Details below:
| | | Tire Aspect Ratio | |
| Lancer Sportback ES | | 60 | |
| Lancer Sportback GT | | 45 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i 5-Dr. | | 65 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Limited 5-Dr. | | 50 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Premium 5-Dr. | | 55 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Sport Limited | | 50 | |
| Impreza HB 2.0i Sport Premium | | 50 | |
In addition to the obvious cosmetic benefit of alloy wheels, they are lighter than traditional steel wheels, providing better performance. You are more likely to find alloy wheels on the Lancer Sportback than the Impreza HB, as shown below:
| | | Alloy Wheels | |
| Lancer Sportback ES | | Optional | |
| Lancer Sportback GT | | Standard | |
| Impreza HB | | Not Available | |
Additional Features
A heated front seat is Optional in the Lancer Sportback GT, providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Impreza HB 2.0i 5-Dr..
Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Optional in the Lancer Sportback GT but is Not Available in the Impreza HB (2.0i 5-Dr., 2.0i Premium 5-Dr., 2.0i Sport Premium).
The Lancer Sportback features a Optional navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Not Available in the Impreza HB (2.0i 5-Dr., 2.0i Sport Premium).
The Lancer Sportback GT has a Standard automatic climate control system. The system controls the temperature, fan speed, and vents to maintain a consistent environment within the passenger compartment. Automatic climate control is Not Available in the Impreza HB (2.0i 5-Dr., 2.0i Premium 5-Dr., 2.0i Sport Premium).
On long road trips in the Lancer Sportback, drivers can engage the Standard cruise control, reducing fatigue. Cruise control is Not Available in the Impreza HB 2.0i 5-Dr..
With a Optional power sunroof, a touch of a button is all Lancer Sportback owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the Impreza HB (2.0i 5-Dr., 2.0i Sport Premium) as a power sunroof is Not Available.