WRX vs Legacy GT vs Outback 2.5XT - Choice?

[noahfex]

Originally Posted by subiesailor

Looking at your list
OB would be an instant fail and you would be very angry with anyone that told you it would work for you. They handle like pigs and are slow

I agree, they handle like a barn door. It's snotty enough from 0-40, but not really exciting. It is feasible to get the XT and put LGT running gear on it. My major qualm with getting a boosted XT/LGT was the cost of replacement parts vs. WRX replacements.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by noahfex

I agree, they handle like a barn door. It's snotty enough from 0-40, but not really exciting. It is feasible to get the XT and put LGT running gear on it. My major qualm with getting a boosted XT/LGT was the cost of replacement parts vs. WRX replacements.

Even a non turbo 2.5 legacy is far more scrappy and fun on the pavement or even on the logging roads with the MT bike guys than the outback. 10yrs with the legacy 5spd mt limited non turbo I would take a non turbo Legacy over the **** OB we have now any day!

The legacy is a proper road car with a scrappy nature the outback is a totally ruined wagon that once had road skills.

Look for a Legacy GT wagon I think they stopped being made in 05 -06 very scrappy nature quite good on the twisties - more grown up than the WRX and will absolutely no question about it run circles around an XT like the pig that the OB is.

[dboz]

Hands down for what you are looking for the WRX is the way to go. Get the newer one with the wide body and slightly more grippy wider tires. I would say the sedan for looks or the hatch for practicality.

The other cars will seem slow and handle like barges compared to the WRX. You don't need the STI and the WRX is faster in the straight line. The STI is better in the corners, but how often do you get to get into the range that matters?

I have an EVO X for my daily. The WRX is better for a daily since it is softer and more quiet.

[Seabass]

But for a sedan, I'd recommend the LGT sedan. Or an OBXT wagon with LGT suspension/aftermarket suspension swap.

[Cplay4me]

Greatminfo thanks! Out of my curiosity...does anyone else think an 08' sti would be the ultimate based on my requirements? Excluding price of course...I might save for that and do plan to drive one.

[vr4Legacy]

I sold my '08 LGT for my OB. It was a sleeper, handled great and was comfortable on long drives. I averaged low 20's, but got 27 on a long trip in the summer with the SI-Drive on "I". Mid 20's were easy on highway trips.

If I had the money I would have kept it and replaced my Hyundai with the OB.

I took it down many a gravel road, through some deep muddy fields and through plenty of ugly snow, it handled great with all-seasons. It has plenty of clearance for moderate "gravel road" offroading.

For long trips the WRX will have your back crying... I sold a '05 Impreza RS because of the stiff suspension, I can only imagine a WRX would be worse.

[ported]

I have an 02 WRX and an 08 Outback.
The seats in either car I like and have 8 to 12 hour travel days in both. I do like a firm seat though.
I agree on the WRX for speed and cornering.
I have just recently done a $2000 CA suspension upgrade on my Outback and it handles wonderfully. If you were to find a OBXT and do a suspension upgrade?
Myself, I'd like an OBXT with a suspension upgrade....and TBE/down pipe and a tune.
I am also a NASIOC member. Just about everyone on the site has upgraded their WRX or STI. Whether right off the lot or years later.
I find it easier on my pocket book to let someone else take the depreciation of the new car and instead spend the money on upgrades I want, on an older vehicle.
A Forester XT or an OBXT would be great choices, multipurpose sleepers.

[The Reg]

I would look at a good late model WRX STi Wagon!

[LosAngelesLGT]

Originally Posted by subiesailor

Look for a Legacy GT wagon I think they stopped being made in 05 -06 very scrappy nature quite good on the twisties - more grown up than the WRX and will absolutely no question about it run circles around an XT like the pig that the OB is.

What gives you the idea that a LGT will run circles around an XT?
I strongly disagreebased on my very highly modded and tuned 05 LGT and a modded OBXT. The ride height of the OBXT exaggerates how underswayed the OBXT and LGT are. With F&R swaybars both cars handle very similarly. To leave either car on OEM swaybars (which are the most tragic part of the suspension by far) means the owner doesn't really care about running circles around anything and don't mind understeer.

The OEM LGT suspension is too pliant as well. If you want to compare it with the SpecB Bilstein steup I will agree there is a little more of a difference but IMHO you are making a mountain out of a molehill for any driver that does not measure laps in their OBXT in tenths of seconds.

Originally Posted by ported

Myself, I'd like an OBXT with a suspension upgrade....and TBE/down pipe and a tune.sleepers.

Pretty much just described my wifes DD sleeper.

[xtmaster]

OBXT is not slow but its a classy car and with a little suspension work it handles nice. I have a Manual with low mileage and leather package it makes a 4 hour trip feel like a run to the convenience store. with no aftermarket mods yet I dust so called FAST CARS ALL THE TIME. Nothing beats the look on a toughguys face after i throw gravel at his Mustang with my XT its priceless