I drove a friend's '99 Subaru Legacy approx. 200 miles recently between
Salem and Roseburg, Oregon.   I have to say I was less than impressed
with not only the power but the smoothness of the motor as well.   There
were a couple of fairly moderate passes along the way that I can take in
my Vanagon in 4th at 55mile per hour.   These same inclines required the
automatic equipped Legacy to down shift and rev raucously.   I can't see
how this motor could perform better in the heavier Vanagon.
Perhaps the comparison  between the manual and auto transmission is
unfair?

John McLean   87  Vanagon  GL