not 4x4, awd.
"Four-wheel drive is not the same as all-wheel drive"
http://www.drive.subaru.com/SubaruDr...emystified.asp


manuals come with VC diff's

http://www.awd.ee/viscous.html

from what ive read automatics come with different differentials and a 45/55 split and its not as good off road if that's what your looking for. but they also say viscus coupling sucks off road b/c of low torque values at low rpms. I don't notice it.

Also, anything past 03 has more aluminum a-arm components which are weaker for hardcore off-road use compared to 02-03 cast components. if you want offroad, a manual wrx 02-03 should do just dandy. if you want street, get 04+ b/c they're lighter and made of aluminum which is also more street fancy if you must. those were the differences in why i chose a 02-stick as opposed to buying 04-automatic.

There is plenty of people with 04+ going off road with no problems too. The aluminum is prob plenty strong. I personally would worry about it and "baby" it so i bought the 02 wrx for the cast steel a-arms. ive beat it pretty bad, and its still driving straight with even tire wear, no funny noises, no leaks, etc. I do have proper skid plates now too, which is something you should get if your going off road


also, a fun application!

http://www.symmetrical-awd.com/