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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 3 of 4

#15 of 34 Re: WRX vs Leg.GT [rsholland] by nightvzn

Dec 06, 2006 (5:13 pm)

Replying to: rsholland (Dec 06, 2006 4:12 pm)
Note that I said "Limited" models, as they are a different customer, and want that extra Legacy-like comfort, but in a smaller more nimble chassis.
 
I agree completely. The WRX Limited thing seemed like a pretty nice concept to me: make a smaller, semi-luxury sport sedan. There's an unfortunate correlation between bigger and better in the automotive market, and only the luxury brands seem to let you get into a smaller car without feeling you've missed out on something. Otherwise, if you want a nicer car, you gotta drive a bigger car too. Some of us want refinement without size.
 
I thought the WRX Limited was a step in the right direction for a non-luxury brand, especially considering how darn nice the Legacy/Outback are now. Unfortunately, I think Subaru took a nice idea and messed it up.
 
The Limited package feels a little "tacked on" to me. So what, you get a spoiler and foglights -- these are available on the regular WRX too. The structural changes needed to accommodate the sunroof reduce headroom substantially. I'm not particularly tall (5'11") but it's barely enough, and I occasionally hit the ceiling on bumps. Beyond that, you get leather and heaters for the seats, wipers, and mirrors. Nice touches, but still a very long way from Legacy/Outback standards. Were I to buy a WRX again, I think I'd save the money (and headroom) and just get the regular WRX, and add the spoiler and foglights for substantially less.
 
The Legacy/Outback is simply a more solid/refined vehicle from the ground up.
 
But the funny thing about this:
 
That's the only regret I have with my WRX Limited. It's just waaay too noisy.
 
I briefly had an STI before my WRX Limited (long story), and the WRX is very quiet compared to the STI. But after several months in the WRX, I've gotten used to it and I notice how loud it is. (The STI, btw, is also how I know the sunroof reduces headroom in the Impreza.)
 
Yes, it shall be interesting to see what Subaru comes out with for 2008 with the new Legacy-based Impreza.

#16 of 34 With the same respect by paisan

Dec 07, 2006 (3:04 am)

A Full size subaru something to take on the 5 series, the E-class, and the A6 is something Subaru needs. They also need a coupe. I know that they have lost a lot of Subaru loyalists because they've outgrown the Subaru line. I for one will likely be getting a GTO next year as it's the closest thing to my SVX and XT6 out there with a reasonable price. I would go for an A6 or similar size Subaru, however, it doesn't exist!
 
-mike

#17 of 34 Re: With the same respect [paisan] by ateixeira

Dec 07, 2006 (8:12 am)

Replying to: paisan (Dec 07, 2006 3:04 am)
They have the Tribeca's wheelbase, build a sedan from that.
 
-juice

#18 of 34 Re: With the same respect [ateixeira] by merrycynic

Dec 07, 2006 (10:28 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 07, 2006 8:12 am)
I agree with Paisan. An all wheel drive Subaru M5 challenger would be just the ticket. Just make sure you make mine a WAGON! I've got to admit, now that I have 4.5 years and 103,300 miles on my WRX wagon, at my age, I'd like something with a little less road noise, a bit more upscale, and just a bit more room. I suspect a suitably dressed Legacy STI wagon would do the trick. The current top of the line Legacy, besides not being available as a wagon, is just plain disappointing. Too much for too little. I'd pay more if it had decent performance.

#19 of 34 Re: With the same respect [merrycynic] by ateixeira

Dec 07, 2006 (11:21 am)

Replying to: merrycynic (Dec 07, 2006 10:28 am)
Too bad the spec.B doesn't come as a wagon. Road & Track had is lapping the fastest in a comparo with many of the luxury brands (BMW, Audi, Infiniti).
 
-juice

#20 of 34 Re: With the same respect [ateixeira] by kens

Dec 07, 2006 (11:44 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 07, 2006 11:21 am)
Ah, but there is the STi wagon. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=116459
 

 
Ken

#21 of 34 Re: WRX vs Leg.GT [rsholland] by kens

Dec 07, 2006 (12:06 pm)

Replying to: rsholland (Dec 06, 2006 4:12 pm)
Bob,
 
Have you considered adding some of your own sound-proofing (ie. Dynamat and the like)?
 
Ken

#22 of 34 Re: With the same respect [paisan] by nightvzn

Dec 07, 2006 (12:56 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Dec 07, 2006 3:04 am)
But technically the Legacy is in the same size class as the 5 Series, A6, etc. (all mid-size). The Legacy might be a bit smaller because of Japanese size restrictions or something, but it doesn't seem to get the same complaints as the small-for-a-midsize Mazda 6. They're all in the same general territory, size-wise.
 
Maybe then they need a full-size car in the same range as the 7 Series or A8?
 
Of course this could all get a bit silly because those are luxury brands, and Subaru is not (similarly, the Legacy is way way way less expensive than those luxo midsizers). I'm happy if the Legacy can successfully do battle with the Altima/Camry/Accord/6/etc. Maybe Subaru could spin off a new luxury brand like Nissan/Infiniti Toyota/Lexus etc. and really address these other market segments.

#23 of 34 si drive isn't a deal breaker by jdunne78

Dec 07, 2006 (12:57 pm)

Any car you drive comes with si drive...it's called your right foot.
 
Stay out of the boost and you'll essentially be driving a normal 4 pot. I certainly wouldn't let that be deal breaker for not going with a car you liked more.

#24 of 34 Legacy v. 5 series/ A6 by paisan

Dec 07, 2006 (1:01 pm)

The legacy is significantly smaller than the rest of the "mid-size" Maybe they need a full size, but they need something longer and wider than the legacy to keep biz. As I said they've lost at least 6-10 people I know who were die hard suby fans because they simply outgrew the legacy and SOA couldn't offer them something they wanted.
 
-mike

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