Subaru sedans produced in 1985 were fitted with one of two different engines. The 4WD GL and the 2WD GL sedans used an engine with a 1.8-liter displacement and an overhead camshaft and carburetor system to supply fuel to the engine. This 1.8L has an output of 82 horsepower at 4,800 rotations per minute and produces 101 foot-pounds of torque at 2,800 RPM. The 2WD GL-10 sedan has an engine with a 1.8-liter displacement and overhead camshaft. While this model Subaru offers an increased horsepower output of 94 at 5,200 RPM, it produces the same amount of torque as the other 1985 sedan models. This engine uses a multi-point fuel injection system to supply fuel to the engine. Both 1.8-liter engines have an 8.7:1 compression ratio and a bore and stroke of 3.62 inches by 2.64 inches.
The 1985 Subaru 2WD GL-10 sedan and 2WD GL sedan have a wheelbase length of 97.2 inches while the 4WD GL sedan has a 97-inch wheelbase. All models of the 1985 GL sedan were manufactured to the same length: 172 inches. These vehicles also offer the same amount of ground clearance at 5.1 inches.
The 4WD GL sedan has a three-speed automatic transmission. Both the 2WD GL and the 2WD GL-10 sedans were available with either a three-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual. Power steering, power locks, power windows, air conditioning and cruise control were standard on the 2WD GL-10 sedan and optional on the other models.