From Car and Driver · · 2m
1978 Subaru Wagon Through Baja
Subaru wagon survives Baja desert challenge with minimal repairs.
In brief
Subaru wagon survives Baja desert challenge with minimal repairs. 1978 Subaru wagon completes 1000-mile Baja desert route with 21 mpg average and minimal mechanical issues. Originally reported by Car and Driver.
Subaru Wagon in Newport Beach
Car and Driver's West Coast testing outpost in Newport Beach houses a 1978 Subaru wagon with four-wheel drive and mud-and-snow treads.
Subaru's Handling Limitations
The wagon corners with the grace of a Citroen 2CV and jacks high on four mismatched appendages like a handicapped spider.
Subaru's Speed Limitations
The test car tops out at 80 mph, barely buying a traffic ticket without a flame paint job.
Subaru's Interior Features
The wagon has K-Mart-grade paneling, Wells Fargo roof rack, and sadly impotent wheel wells.
Baja Desert Challenge
The team travels from the border to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to test the Subaru's endurance in the desert.
Baja Desert Geography
The Baja peninsula split from the Mexican mainland 20 million years ago and offers true wilderness.
Baja Desert Safety
Full-coverage Mexican insurance is essential; crash victims are locked up first and asked questions much later.
Baja Desert Supplies
The team carries survival rations: food, Pepsi, potato chips, fruit, sandwiches, and three gallons of water.
Baja Desert Highway
The Carretera Transpeninsular highway runs from the border to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico's southern tip.
Baja Desert Road Conditions
The highway has sharp drops at the pavement's edge and concrete markers that collapse rims if you drift too close.
Subaru's Fuel Efficiency
The 1978 Subaru achieves 27 mpg (city) and 29 mpg (highway) but drops to 21 mpg near full speed.
Subaru's Off-Road Capability
The wagon's light weight avoids digging into holes, and its four-wheel traction handles sand without getting stuck.
Subaru's Mexican Fuel
The Subaru burns Mexican gasoline without catalytic converters, achieving 21 mpg on the Baja route.
Subaru's Range
The wagon has a range of 250 miles with 10 gallons of gasoline.
Subaru's Desert Performance
The wagon handles the Baja desert with minimal mechanical issues and no major repairs.
Baja Desert End
The team reaches Cabo San Lucas by sunset after a 1000-mile desert journey.
At a glance
1978 Subaru wagon completes 1000-mile Baja desert route with 21 mpg average and minimal mechanical issues.
