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Acura TL vs Subaru Legacy GT Limited

12 messages,  Last post on Jan 25, 2008 at 12:30 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura TL, Subaru Legacy, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#6 of 12 Re: TL vs Subaru Legacy GT limited [upstatedoc] by bekind420

Jan 18, 2008 (1:36 pm)

Replying to: upstatedoc (Jan 18, 2008 9:50 am)
Agreed, I look forward to trying out the SH-AWD. I hear it is very similar to BMWs approach as well. They are supposed to be really good and way better than the Subbies. The Subarus are about as basic an AWD platform as you can get, especially if you get a manual, totally a drivers car with no electronic nannies to help out. But I do like the fact that the SH-AWD will actually alter the speed of the inside vs. outside tires when turning which should make for excellent handleing!!

#7 of 12 Re: TL vs Subaru Legacy GT limited [bekind420] by chirocat

Jan 18, 2008 (2:40 pm)

Replying to: bekind420 (Jan 18, 2008 8:40 am)
I hate to rain on everyone's parade, but the Subie is NOT faster than the TL or TL-S.
The are quite closely matched, with the Legacy quicker down low with AWD traction.
The Subie is governed at about 136 mph and the TL-S is about 147 mph. The Legacy GT is quicker by .4 seconds to 60 at most (thanks AWD) and the Legacy GT is quicker than the TL in the 1/4 mile, but very close to the TL-S in elapsed time(.1-.3 seconds ahead) but the TL-S is anywhere from 1-4 mph faster in the 1/4 mile (depending on who is testing). The Subie is also well behind in lateral acceleration and the TL-S is about 1 mph faster in the 700 ft slalom.
 
The Legacy GT B Spec was on my short list, but ultimately lost because of a lack of refinement, it is just not a luxury car.
 
Buy the Subie IF you need AWD for foul weather OR; you intend to modify the car for more speed. You simple can't beat the Legacy GT for cheap after market speed, and with stealth to boot. Oh don't forget reliability, Subies are rock solid reliable. Again, I have nothing against the Legacy GT, I almost bought one. If I had it would have a Cobb Tuning kit already, it's amazing what $600 can do for a Subaru! Watch out G35's and M3'!!!!

#8 of 12 Re: TL vs Subaru Legacy GT limited [chirocat] by bekind420

Jan 22, 2008 (7:56 am)

Replying to: chirocat (Jan 18, 2008 2:40 pm)
Doesn't surprise me about the lat acc as the LGT has horrible OEM all weather tires. The acceleration numbers are also assuming perfect launch conditions. I believe that in everyday driving on wet or dry or dirty roads the LGT will launch harder and pull on an Acura TL or Type S.

#9 of 12 Re: TL vs Subaru Legacy GT limited [bekind420] by chirocat

Jan 22, 2008 (11:18 am)

Replying to: bekind420 (Jan 22, 2008 7:56 am)
Don't forget the "average driver" will have a harder time launching the FWD in less than "perfect launch" conditions. Yes, AWD can be quite an asset in everyday driving, especially if you have enough HP. Heck, average drivers cant do much with perfect conditions either

#11 of 12 Re: TL vs Subaru Legacy GT limited [chirocat] by bekind420

Jan 23, 2008 (6:50 am)

Replying to: chirocat (Jan 22, 2008 11:18 am)
To be honest I didn't realize the TL and TL-S were as fast as they were. When I initially googled them I was seeing low 7s for the TL and low 6s for the S. After looking at those numbers again they seem to have come from 05 models. Did they add vtech (or whatever their proprietary valve adjustment is called) in 06 or something?

#12 of 12 Re: TL vs Subaru Legacy GT limited [bekind420] by chirocat

Jan 25, 2008 (12:30 am)

Replying to: bekind420 (Jan 23, 2008 6:50 am)
I don't think a great deal has changed since they introduced the current Gen. The TL-S is of course much more powerful although about 20 horses short of the G35 and IS350 (which isn't even competition as it is way overpriced and has no manual trans).
It is possible that some testers are just better drivers. It's also possible that some road tests are done on a track with professional equipment and others may well be a two average Joe writers with a GPS accelerometer on a back street. Here is the best results I have seen from the TL-S
 
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/14406/2008-acura-tl-type-s.html
 
I'll take a 14.1 1/4 any day when it comes from a luxury car that gets better mileage than my 98 Maxima. I love the car, 1300 miles so far and I am just barely getting used to it so I am still driving what I would describe as "conservatively".

Messages Page 2 of 2

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