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Legacy GT v. Spec B v. Mazdaspeed 6

46 messages,  Last post on Mar 05, 2007 at 12:24 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA6, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 5

#1 of 46 Legacy GT v. Spec B v. Mazdaspeed 6 by taxesquire

Feb 16, 2007 (3:03 pm)

To anyone who's driven 2 out of these 3, what is your take on the similarities and differences between these vehicles?
 
I'm not in the market to buy, but these 3 cars really intrigue me - I've heard that the extra costs of the Spec B is not worthwhile over the GT, and that between the GT or Spec B and the 6, the Subaru is faster, but the Mazda handles better.
 
What's your experience?

#2 of 46 Re: Legacy GT v. Spec B v. Mazdaspeed 6 [taxesquire] by aviboy97

Feb 17, 2007 (11:13 am)

Replying to: taxesquire (Feb 16, 2007 3:03 pm)
I believe the Spec B is definitely not worth the money. The Mazdaspeed6 and Legacy GT do pose great value for what they cost.
 
In regards to the GT being faster then the Speed6, it is slightly, because of the gearing. However, I have gotten the Speed6 to 60 in 5.4 seconds, repeatedly This summer, I will be at the track to see how it does.
 
Handling is much better in the Speed6 over the GT. Much less body roll. Spec B has improved handling over the GT but not Speed6.
 
Subaru does have a more sophisticated AWD system, as opposed to Mazdas Active-Torque Split AWD.

#3 of 46 Re: Legacy GT v. Spec B v. Mazdaspeed 6 [aviboy97] by taxesquire

Feb 17, 2007 (2:40 pm)

Replying to: aviboy97 (Feb 17, 2007 11:13 am)
Thanks - did you test-drive all 3 and then buy the 6?

#4 of 46 Re: Legacy GT v. Spec B v. Mazdaspeed 6 [taxesquire] by paisan

Feb 17, 2007 (10:58 pm)

Replying to: taxesquire (Feb 17, 2007 2:40 pm)
i would get the spec b, mainly for the suspension, vdc, and the 6-speed trans. It's worth it if you push your car, if you aren't pushing it the LGT is worth it.
 
Mazda 6 is ok, but the awd and the transverse engine is the spoiler for me.
 
-mike

#5 of 46 Re: Legacy GT v. Spec B v. Mazdaspeed 6 [taxesquire] by aviboy97

Feb 19, 2007 (9:16 am)

Replying to: taxesquire (Feb 17, 2007 2:40 pm)
I should have clarified. I am a Mazda and Subaru dealer. I have driven all many times. The Speed6 and GT much more. We have only had 5 Spec B's, and test drives were limited. However, the Spec B is not worth the money. If you were looking to spend that much, look at the STi Limited Edition.
 
My twin bother has a Speed6, and chose it over the Leg GT. His we are taking to the track when it opens in the spring.
 
Even though Subaru has a phenomenal AWD system, it is still inferior to the Mazda's handling.

#6 of 46 Re: Legacy GT v. Spec B v. Mazdaspeed 6 [aviboy97] by paisan

Feb 19, 2007 (1:51 pm)

Replying to: aviboy97 (Feb 19, 2007 9:16 am)
The SpecB's drivetrain is worth it if you will have a need for it. If you are planning to go with some power upgrades or track your car often, the 6MT drivetrain is bulletproof compared to the 5MT in the legacy.
 
STi Limited edition is still much smaller so for those of us who can't fit in it, the SpecB is where it's at. I am personally waiting for the next gen leg cause the leg is just too small for my liking though.
 
-mike

#7 of 46 Re: Legacy GT v. Spec B v. Mazdaspeed 6 [paisan] by xwesx

Feb 19, 2007 (2:12 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Feb 19, 2007 1:51 pm)
I am personally waiting for the next gen leg cause the leg is just too small for my liking though.
 
Is it supposed to gain in room, or are you hoping it does? I find that our new Outback has more usable space in the cargo area (with rear seat backs up), but usable leg room in the rear seats is highly diminished compared to our '96 Outback. Granted, I am talking wagons here, but I would expect that the passenger compartment in the sedan is the same.

#8 of 46 Re: Legacy GT v. Spec B v. Mazdaspeed 6 [xwesx] by paisan

Feb 19, 2007 (2:23 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 19, 2007 2:12 pm)
The impreza is going to the legacy platform, which means that likely the legacy will go to a larger platform or else there would be much overlap. Also I'm hoping that after meeting the CEO and him asking what I wanted from Subaru and I grabbed my gut and said "Big car for a Big Man" and he laughed and said OK. Can't ask anyone higher for a bigger car!
 
-mike

#9 of 46 Re: Legacy GT v. Spec B v. Mazdaspeed 6 [paisan] by xwesx

Feb 19, 2007 (4:11 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Feb 19, 2007 2:23 pm)
Hahahahha, that seems like a good bet.

#10 of 46 Re: Legacy GT v. Spec B v. Mazdaspeed 6 [paisan] by aviboy97

Feb 19, 2007 (4:28 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Feb 19, 2007 2:23 pm)
The impreza is going to the legacy platform, which means that likely the legacy will go to a larger platform or else there would be much overlap
 
That's what I have been hearing. My fiance is looking for the new Impreza as well to replace her 2002.
 
Many mfg's are having their best sellers grow in size. Sans Nissan Altima, and Maxima. Remember how small the Altima used to be? Heck, the late 90's Legacy is the size of the current Impreza.

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