What is the top speed of the 1985 Subaru XT?
The top speed of the 1985 Subaru XT depends on the variant: roughly 110 mph (177 km/h) for the naturally aspirated model and about 125 mph (201 km/h) for the turbocharged version.
In 1985, Subaru offered the XT as a two-door sports coupe with two engine configurations: a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter flat-four and a turbocharged version. Factory figures and contemporary road tests show a clear speed split between these variants, though actual speeds in the real world could vary due to condition, gearing, tires, and aerodynamics. This article outlines the two primary configurations and the speeds they could reach in typical conditions.
Variant speeds
Below are the commonly cited top speeds for the 1985 XT, reflecting factory estimates and typical test results. Real-world outcomes can differ based on market, transmission, and vehicle condition.
- Non-turbo XT (1.8 L engine): Top speed ≈ 110 mph (177 km/h).
- Turbo XT (1.8 L turbocharged): Top speed ≈ 125 mph (201 km/h).
These figures illustrate the performance gap between the turbocharged and naturally aspirated versions, with the turbo model delivering significantly higher top-end speed due to the boosted power output.
Historical context and performance factors
The 1985 Subaru XT was part of Subaru's early foray into sportier, aerodynamic coupes, built with a focus on balanced handling and distinctive styling. The turbocharged version used a turbocharger to increase power, which translated into a higher top speed, especially on highway runs. Real-world speeds, however, depended on factors such as engine maintenance, tire condition and speed rating, fuel quality, altitude, and the vehicle’s overall mechanical state.
Summary
For the 1985 Subaru XT, the top speeds were approximately 110 mph (177 km/h) for the naturally aspirated variant and about 125 mph (201 km/h) for the turbocharged variant. The turbo model clearly offered higher high-speed capability, while the non-turbo version remained closer to a more modest highway pace. Both variants reflect Subaru’s mid-1980s approach to blending style, handling, and performance in a compact sports coupe.
