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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 2 of 4

#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

#11 of 34 Re: WRX vs Leg.GT [aaykay] by nightvzn

Dec 04, 2006 (1:19 pm)

Replying to: aaykay (Sep 21, 2006 2:47 pm)
I know I'm coming to this discussion a little late, but I can't help but weigh in since I've encountered a similar dilemma recently.
 
Unlike you, I favor sedans, and up until recently, I thought I wanted a manual transmission. But otherwise, our choices were similar. I ended up with the WRX, and I wish I'd gone with the Legacy GT.
 
I have the 2006 WRX Limited sedan, 5MT. I had a 2000 Maxima previously. I don't know what you're used to driving, but the Impreza line just feels cheap to me, compared to the Maxima, and I underestimated how much that would bother me on a day-to-day basis. It also had interior rattles from day 1.
 
Subaru's midsize platform is waaaaayyy nicer than the Impreza platform. The Subaru dealership gave me an Outback wagon as a loaner when I had my car in for service, and I was blown away by the car's level of comfort and refinement (and complete lack of rattles, just like my Maxima). I also liked the auto's manual mode: unlike some others, it doesn't defeat its own purpose by thinking for you. The auto available on the WRX doesn't even have a manual mode.
 
Considering the Legacy basically has the same interior as the Outback, I wish I had gone with the Legacy GT sedan with automatic and navigation (which isn't even available on Impreza).
 
Although the press seems to disagree, I agree that the WRX looks good, especially the front end. But the back end is still a little odd, and the car looks strange to me in profile. I like the Legacy sedan's rear-end treatment. Of course, styling is subjective, and the wagon is another story anyway.
 
On another note, the Legacy's sound system is drastically better. I'm not sure why -- the wattage is about the same -- but it sounds significantly more powerful and full.
 
But as you say, a new Impreza is coming out soon, so who knows what to expect.

#12 of 34 Re: WRX vs Leg.GT [nightvzn] by kens

Dec 05, 2006 (7:16 pm)

Replying to: nightvzn (Dec 04, 2006 1:19 pm)
Interesting write up. The Legacy/OB does have significantly more sound dampening compared to the Impreza/Forester line. Perhaps that can explain why the stereo sounded much better. The two lines are targeted at different market segments. With the Legacy GT you get performance and refinement -- a balance I really love.
 
If you liked the OB with 4-speed auto, you'll really like the 5-speed auto offered on the GT and upscale OB models.
 
Ken

#13 of 34 Re: WRX vs Leg.GT [kens] by nightvzn

Dec 05, 2006 (7:27 pm)

Replying to: kens (Dec 05, 2006 7:16 pm)
Somebody told me that watts alone are not really that great a measure of a stereo's power. I don't remember the details of the discussion. He was implying that even though the Legacy's sound system is rated the same (watts), it could still be substantially better. But the improved sound dampening of the Legacy/Outback certainly doesn't hurt.
 
I think I'm on the same wavelength as you -- unfortunately, I had to make a purchase and live with it for a while to realize my preference towards a little more refinement with my performance. Oh well. Next time.

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

Dec 06, 2006 (4:12 pm)

Replying to: kens (Dec 05, 2006 7:16 pm)
That's the only regret I have with my WRX Limited. It's just waaay too noisy. I'm hoping that will be addressed with the '08 model.
 
What I would love to see is that the WRX Limited and STI Limited to get sound deadening equal to that found in the Legacy/Outback.
 
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.
 
Bob

#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.

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