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WRX vs Legacy GT Wagon

34 messages,  Last post on Jul 02, 2007 at 10:50 AM

You are in the Subaru Impreza Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Car Buying, Wagon

Messages Page 1 of 4

#2 of 34 WRX vs Leg.GT by aaykay

Sep 21, 2006 (2:47 pm)

I am torn between the WRX and the Leg.GT - both wagons and with the EAT. I really like the beige interior but the exterior color choices are limited with the beige and hence looking at probably the Silver (Crystal Gray in WRX).
 
In terms of sheer personality, the WRX (wagon) shines. The GT lacks its dynamism and looks extremely toned down (front-end styling alone). Translation: Generic Japanese mid-size styling. I simply cannot get beyond its plain-Jane exterior looks. Other than the tiny hood-scoop, there is absolutely no differentiation between the GT and the other Legacy wagons, all of whom look tame, sedate and generic Japanese. The WRX wagon on the other hand, is brimming with personality and appears compact, purposeful and packed down for action - talking of visual impression only.
 
The interior is a different matter. The GT is heads-and-shoulders above the WRX in terms of the tactile feel of the interior materials. The fact that the GT wagon has a 5EAT, comes with the SI-Drive, TPMS, Side-curtain airbags, better quality of interior materials, power driver's and passengers seats and certain other features, certainly has me torn, since all of those come for a bare $1800 over the EAT WRX Ltd wagon ($27K vs $28,800 - street prices). The WRX EAT Ltd at $1800 below the 5EAT Leg.GT does not look like a sound purchase decision from a financial point of view. On the other hand, rumor has it that Subaru debated dropping the Legacy wagon (and Sedan OB) due to lack of sales/demand....the intent being to retain the wagon in the OB line and the Sedan in the Legacy line....the WRX wagon on the other hand sells very well.
 
If the WRX came with the 5EAT and the SI-drive, I would not think twice between these two but without it, it is going to be a tough decision - exterior appeal of the REX Wagon notwithstanding.
 
Someone help me in deciding.

#3 of 34 Re: WRX vs Leg.GT [aaykay] by ateixeira

Nov 07, 2006 (11:29 am)

Replying to: aaykay (Sep 21, 2006 2:47 pm)
Think about this - you spend far more time inside the car than you do looking at it.
 
Also, the bland looks also makes it stealthy so you may attract less attention from the folks that serve and protect (and hand out speeding tickets).
 
-juice

#4 of 34 True by aaykay

Nov 10, 2006 (10:45 pm)

Think about this - you spend far more time inside the car than you do looking at it.
 
True and absolutely right. Almost like an ugly girlfriend with a great personality. Tough to introduce her around but definitely a joy to converse with and be around !
 
I believe they are redesigning the front-end of the Legacy and have already done so in the European market, which improves its appearance a lot. Unfortunately, if rumors are true, they are also dropping the Legacy wagons (GT and 2.5i) from the lineup, along with the Outback Sedan - due to lack of sales. Which means when the good-looking Legacy arrives, it will be Sedan-only, which I certainly don't want.
 
Since the upcoming Impreza is based on the Legacy platform and will come as a wagon, I guess I will wait and see what that model brings to the table. No point in jumping in and buying either a model that is being re-designed (WRX) or a model that is a loser in the marketplace (GT).
 
WRX Wagon advantages are the quicker, tighter steering, shorter wheelbase for nimbler handling, pretty much the same power as the GT, MUCH better looks, arguably better build quality (based on consumer reports body integrity reports) and terrific resale value. When the new model arrives and if a lot of incentives are provided for the existing WRX, I will bite the bullet and go for it.

#5 of 34 Re: WRX vs Leg.GT [aaykay] by kens

Nov 11, 2006 (3:53 pm)

Replying to: aaykay (Sep 21, 2006 2:47 pm)
As a LGT wagon owner I'm going to be biased, but part of the appeal of the LGT to it's buyers is the stealth look. To the untrained eye, it looks like a regular Legacy wagon which is what I absolutely love about the vehicle. I personally don't want the attention WRXs sometimes get from the boy-racer crowd. I also get the nicer appointments (as you mentioned) not to mention a better powertrain with the slightly larger VF40 turbo and 5EAT.
 
Honestly, I think if your criteria are:
-Subaru wagon
-Automatic
-Turbo
-Sub 30K street price
 
Then the LGT wagon is going to be your better bet for everyday driving. If you were going to autocross, then sure the WRX would be a better choice, but then again you probably would want to opt for the 5MT instead.
 
Another way to think about it -- you can make a LGT wagon look more "racy" by upgrading the wheels and doing some exterior modifications. However, that same amount of money is not going to buy you a 5EAT and other hardware on a WRX.
 
Ken

#6 of 34 Re: WRX vs Leg.GT [kens] by aaykay

Nov 11, 2006 (9:47 pm)

Replying to: kens (Nov 11, 2006 3:53 pm)
Again, agree completely about the unobstrusive nature of the LGT. A bit too tame however.
 
The below link shows a gentlemanly specimen too, but looks gorgeous...can't ignore this, even though roof-rails would have completed the look of the practical wagon. This should have been how the LGT should have been all along (click on those photos and they will enlarge).
 
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/european-subaru-legacy-gets-a-refresh/
 
However, there should be some end of the year rebates. Let us see how generous those are. Either way, it looks like I need to special order to receive either of these cars. They are so "rare".

#7 of 34 turbo and insurance by wind321852

Nov 13, 2006 (2:37 am)

just wondering, at what rpm will the turbo kicks in for both wrx and gt legacy? i know they are AWD and will be great when rain or snow, but with turbo, would that be changed? and as far as insurance wise, which would be lower? thanks.

#8 of 34 Re: turbo and insurance [wind321852] by ateixeira

Nov 16, 2006 (9:32 am)

Replying to: wind321852 (Nov 13, 2006 2:37 am)
I felt boost at around 2800rpm on the EJ257. You need a load for boost to build, so there is a tiny bit of throttle lag.
 
To be honest, with a manual transmission you don't notice any lag at all. With an auto, just a tad.
 
-juice

#9 of 34 Turbo + Auto by paisan

Nov 16, 2006 (11:39 pm)

Personally, I'm not a big fan of the turbos with the AT transes. I find it too hard to get into the boost on an AT subie, maybe I'm just used to driving an MT and all my ATs are large displacement engines that have grunt from down at 500rpms...
 
-mike

#10 of 34 Re: Turbo + Auto [paisan] by ateixeira

Nov 17, 2006 (9:27 am)

Replying to: paisan (Nov 16, 2006 11:39 pm)
Hop over to the Acura RDX thread, we're discussing that EXACT topic right now. Share your track experience if you would.
 
-juice

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