Difference between '95 and '97 2.2 engine

[Bmm001]

I know that my '95 Legacy and my parent's Subarus (a '97 Impreza and a '98 Legacy) all have the 2.2 liter engine, but I was wondering how Subaru changed the engine in these years so that my car makes the following power/torque vs. my parent's cars:

 

1995: 135 HP @ 5400 RPM and 140 lb/feet of torque at 4400 RPM

1997/1998: 137 HP @ 5600 RPM and 145 lb/feet of torque at 4000 RPM

 

The owner's manuals state that my compression ratio is 9:5:1 vs. the newer car's 9:7:1.

 

What makes these engines different in their "personalities" (there's definitely more oomph off the line in my parent's cars) and power ratings?

 

Brian M.

[edrach]

What is also different and has something to do with the compression ratio and really insigificant power gains.......the older 2.2L engine is a non-interference engine; the new 2.2L is an interference design. Not much difference when everything is running fine. But if you break a timing belt while cruising down the highway, the difference in repair costs is significant for the newer engine....lots of $$$$ more.