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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 3 of 5

#17 of 46 GT vs. 2.5i by kronogoose

Feb 24, 2007 (6:17 pm)

In a couple of months, I plan to buy a used car for about $20K. I've been driving a Protege5 for nearly six years, and I'm looking for something more "grown up" with a manual transmission.
 
Using Autotrader.com, I've been able to find a few 2005 GT models locally with manual tranny for just over $20K. I am enamored with the extra power offered by the GT, but I wonder if it's worth it.
 
If I go with the 2.5i, there are a few advantages: local sales prices, even on 2006 models, are easily under $20K; I won't have to use premium fuel, and; I will get better gas mileage. I also assume that my insurance premiums will be lower. So, I could get a newer car with fewer miles but with less HP.
 
Are there any other considerations between the two models? I'm sure it's a matter of "what do you really want," but I wonder if there's really that much of a cost difference. I know that I really want the GT's power now, but six months from now, I may be more worried about about the costs.
 
I would consider the Mazdaspeed6, but prices around here for a 2006 are north of the $23K mark. I could probably get a 2006 WRX for under $20K, but it has that boy-racer persona.
 
The other car I'm seriously considering is a 2004-2005 G35 sedan, but I would probably have to give up the stick shift. I know Infiniti offers the manual, but they are hard to find in the sedan!
 
Thanks,
 
Greg

#18 of 46 Re: GT vs. 2.5i [kronogoose] by paisan

Feb 24, 2007 (9:58 pm)

Replying to: kronogoose (Feb 24, 2007 6:17 pm)
Also G35 Sedan doesn't come in a MT.
 
-mike

#19 of 46 Re: GT vs. 2.5i [kronogoose] by taxesquire

Feb 26, 2007 (8:15 am)

Replying to: kronogoose (Feb 24, 2007 6:17 pm)
Personally, I couldn't enjoy a car of the Legacy's size with under 200 hp. The GT doesn't have the most powerful engine in it's class, but it's got more than enough for me.
 
Also, an '05 GT will have depreciated more than an '06 2.5 - the fact that GTs are still more expensive shows that financially, you may do better buying a used GT than a new 2.5, which will depreciate more rapidly and significantly since the most expensive part of the car is the engine, and the GT's engine is better/more desireable.

#20 of 46 Re: GT vs. 2.5i [kronogoose] by ateixeira

Feb 26, 2007 (9:45 am)

Replying to: kronogoose (Feb 24, 2007 6:17 pm)
Your timing is a bit late, IMO.
 
You could get a left over 2006 MazdaSpeed6 for low $20s, close enough that it might have been worth it to stretch the budget and buy new. After all, you get a longer warranty.
 
The rebate on the 06s is something like $3750, not sure exactly but it was over $3 grand. The 07s only have a $1000 rebate (just read Automotive News today, so that's my source).
 
Same for the Legacy GT, at the end of MY2006 I saw some in the $22k range. But the 07s just arrived and are price higher right now.
 
Comparing the GT vs. the 2.5i, keep in mind the GT has heated seats standard, plus the extra power, and if you get an automatic it's a 5 speed vs. a 4 speed. I think it also adds the rear Limited-slip diff, for even better traction. Depending on the model year, the wheels and tires are bigger and sportier.
 
Premium fuel will cost you a premium of about $150 a year, not that significant IMO. If you drive the P5 hard, you'll really enjoy the GT more. If you don't, and just light-foot it to save gas, go for the 2.5i. Be honest with yourself, basically, and you'll be happier.
 
-juice

#21 of 46 Legacy GT vs SRT8 Charger by turbod

Feb 26, 2007 (11:41 am)

Hi Guys,
 
You not going to belive this..and Im a lil surprised myself !
 
Other day was on way home in my 05 GT, I came to the red light.I looked over and was a black Charger SRT8 with a big hemi 425 emblem on side. I looked and thought nice car wasnt thinking nothing else, I moved forward couple inches waiting for the light..then he rolled forward too, I rolled up a lil again he did too again.
SO I thought what the hell..I moved over my shifter in sport mode..he looked over at me,we both sitting at 2 lanes that merge left onto divded 4 lane hiway he had inside lane.
 
Light goes green we both hit it...going aroung the turn I let up slightly lost a lil rpm so quickly put it to the floor ..I was waiting him to pass me heading down the hiway I could hear his HEMI LOL..but never saw him up to my drivers door was on my rear quarter..I looked at my speedo was on 80 mph..he still not passed me ..being alot of cops in this area usually I let off at 85 or so..then he went by me lol. I figured at 90 he would have passed me, but up to 80+ i was out ahead . Wish I had kept going but like I said alot cops in this area didnt want go jail going 100 + lol.
I guess that Dodge driver had a lil surpise too.
My subie seemed to get faster when it clicked over 12k miles I now have 14k on it and use mobil 1 oil. Otherwise its all original. Love my Subie !!

#22 of 46 Re: Legacy GT vs SRT8 Charger [turbod] by taxesquire

Feb 26, 2007 (11:49 am)

Replying to: turbod (Feb 26, 2007 11:41 am)
cool post thanks for sharing!!!

#23 of 46 Re: Legacy GT vs SRT8 Charger [turbod] by aviboy97

Feb 26, 2007 (1:21 pm)

Replying to: turbod (Feb 26, 2007 11:41 am)
It must have been an R/T, not an SRT-8. The SRT-8 does a 13.0-13.5 1/4 mile, and 0-60 in 5 seconds. I will almost gaurantee that it was an R/T, with SRT-8 badges.
 
How gratifying is it beating an American V8 with a Jap turbo4?? I happen to eat it up myself!!

#24 of 46 Guys by paisan

Feb 26, 2007 (5:17 pm)

No offense but he wasn't on it. I instructed in a SRT8 Charger this weekend at VIR. I've driven a LGT on track and the SRT8. In the turns, the LGT will be all over the SRT8 but in the straights like from a light, not a chance in hell!
 
He was being gentle on you, also the SRT8 has way better brakes.
 
It is also $45k though.
 
-mike

#25 of 46 Re: Guys [paisan] by turbod

Feb 26, 2007 (9:28 pm)

Replying to: paisan (Feb 26, 2007 5:17 pm)
well for starters he was the one wanted race me ... so he was defintely on it. I know I had my radio turned down all I heard was a sreaming v8 on my rear quarter. As I said earlier post we started from a red light but was a long left turn sweeper with both lanes before going straight, so this is where I had the advantage. A 13.2 car can become 14.0 car real easy if you cant hook up. So this is where the balanced performance of the GT kept him from blowing by me. Dont forget AWD doesnt smoke the tires from a dead stop it just goes. Not bad for $ 24k. Made me laugh when I let off and he went by me he took a long look at me in the rear view and he kept on it all way 120 +.We all know SRT 8 has more power and is faster..but to me its about balanced performance.
 
Mike your a driving instructor ? You own a Subie ?
 
I was thinking if I was in a STI he would have had no chance. Go Subie !
Fun hearing your replies !

#26 of 46 Re: Guys [turbod] by paisan

Feb 27, 2007 (6:02 am)

Replying to: turbod (Feb 26, 2007 9:28 pm)
Yup, I've been instructing for years at tracks in the NE, mostly Watkins Glen, VIR, Summit Point, Limerock, Pocono. Started doing track days with my SVX and then my Automatic 96 Impreza L, converted that to a race car and did a few races. Then started tracking my 94 Legacy Turbo. We just completed converting it over to a full race car and were down at VIR last weekend racing.
 
Again, the driver didn't know how to drive as I was in an SRT8 this past weekend and it'll take a LGT any day in anything but the twistiest of turns stock for stock.
 
-mike

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