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Subaru Legacy/Outback 2005+

10833 messages,  Last post on Feb 26, 2013 at 5:40 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Sedan, Wagon




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Messages Page 144 of 1084

#1429 of 10833 Uh - J3Studio, you are talking about night and day. by kevin111

May 14, 2004 (9:01 am)

In terms of performance, the Legacy GT will be far superior to the 300m. Even though both have similar power, the Legacy GT will be faster, with 0-60 times over 2 seconds faster than the 300m (0-60 in 7.8 secs). Also, the GT will be more nimble and a better handler (even the loaded wagon will be about 200 lbs. less than the 300M).
 
Ride quality should be good in the GT (per the Edmunds review).
 
Personally, I want to see what some of the car magazines say, as well as Consumer Reports before I decide, but it looks like the Legacy will be a serious contender in the mid-level sedan arena, if not a home run.
 
Article on the 2005 Legacy -
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/subaru/legacy/100396955/roadtesta- rticle.html?articleId=101838
 
Info on the '99 300M - http://www.edmunds.com/used/1999/chrysler/300m/14123/specs.html?t- id=edmunds.u.prices.leftsidenav..6.Chrysler*

#1430 of 10833 mpg by stickguy

May 14, 2004 (9:13 am)

Goes to show the negative impact of the Outback (raised up, more "off-roadish" tires) on gas mileage. Just compare the EPA sticker on an '04 standard wagon vs. an outback to see what the relative difference you should expect is.
 
At least 25 is much better than you would get from an Exploder or other real SUV.

#1431 of 10833 Re: Thinking Of Buying A 2005 Legacy Wagon [A Bit Long] [j3studio #1428] by subewannabe

May 14, 2004 (9:17 am)

Replying to: j3studio (May 14, 2004 8:23 am)
The Legacy should be just the ticket for you. To get comparable performance, features and AWD you would need to spend at least $10,000 more to move up to an Audi S4 or BMW 3 series wagon with AWD. Since I assume the Corvettes stay home on snow days, you might consider getting a second set of rims and keep one set shoed with true winter radials, e.g., Bridgestone Blizzaks for a go-anywhere vehicle for November through March and the second set with true performance tires for April through October.The Legacy GT suspension set-up, low CG and grippy low-profile tires will make you forget the "European" feel of a 300M before you get out of the first curve, even with the 5 speed SportShift Auto. Happy shopping!
 
Mark

#1432 of 10833 Re: Thinking Of Buying A 2005 Legacy Wagon by radian

May 14, 2004 (12:54 pm)

Replying to: j3studio (May 14, 2004 8:23 am)
While I would heartily recommend the Legacy GT Wagon, I think you and your wife need to drive one to truly decide. It will be very different from a 300M, possibly too different. You may also want to check out an Outback XT or L.L.Bean depending on whether you ever intend to go offroad. And if the Legacy is too sporty, there's always a Passat Wagon with 4Motion. I know it's a VW (if you're worried about reliability), but Passats seem to be the best of VWs in reliability. It might even have fold-down seats in the sedan.
 
I'm fairly certain you'll love the Legacy GT, but never having driven a Subaru before I think you'll need to see it in person to see if it fits all your needs.

#1433 of 10833 Actually, by kevin111

May 14, 2004 (1:17 pm)

This is one of the times I would recommend trying a Dodge Magnum or a Chrysler 300C for comparison with the 300M. Especially if you need room. Those two vehicles are HUGE!!

#1434 of 10833 by dudleyr

May 14, 2004 (2:29 pm)

Yes the magnum would be worth a look. The Legacy GT is sized between the Civic/Corolla and the Accord /Camry (92/96/102 cubic ft). The 300/Magnum and the old 300m are about 107 cubic ft. There would be quite a step down in size.
 
As mentioned the Passat is another nice choice, it is just a tad larger than the Subaru, but still smaller than the Accord/Camry. The TDI Passat would probably be more reliable than the gas version (which itself is average), and at EPA 27/38 is very tempting these days. It has as much torque as a Legacy GT.
 
To me the 4-cyl non turbo is the most attractive Legacy, but it is the slowest.

#1435 of 10833 Re: mjc440 [rob999 #1425] by paisan

May 14, 2004 (11:23 pm)

Replying to: rob999 (May 14, 2004 6:32 am)
75mph is 20mph higher than the EPA. Try doing 55-60 for a trip and I bet you'll hit or exceed the EPA rating.
 
-mike

#1436 of 10833 Magnum by paisan

May 14, 2004 (11:25 pm)

Looking forward to test driving an AWD V8 in the fall, maybe I'll pickup a used one in 2 years when they come off lease and are dirt cheap.
 
-mike

#1437 of 10833 Finally decided on color by ntk1

May 15, 2004 (3:53 am)

Went to the local dealer yesterday to look at a silver sedan. This is definately the color choice for me - the lights blend in very nicely and the lower part of the sides has just the right amount of emphasis. (and besides, I hardly ever wash my car and silver looks the least dirty). I am now waiting for them to get hold of a GT MT - will keep you posted

#1438 of 10833 Legacy GT Limited or Outback XT Limited Wagon by snowbird

May 15, 2004 (10:07 am)

I am considering replacing my 97 Mercedes 420E. I am looking for:
1. Comfortable seats and good (not stiff) ride on long journeys.
2. Good pick up to merge into highway traffic and overtake.
3. Go to Florida for winter so need more cargo space, but no "off-roading" at all.
4. Good MPG.
5. Good interior finish.
 
Can anyone please help me decide which of the above 2005 models would be more suitable? Thanks.

Messages Page 144 of 1084

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