WRX vs Legacy GT vs Outback 2.5XT - Choice?

[Cplay4me]

I'm looking into selling my 2005 Acura TL 6-speed and switching over to a subaru. I'm really curious on what all of you would choose and why. Here's what I'm looking for in a car:

1) Solid in all weather conditions and fun to drive all year round

2) Fast - Minimum of 0-60 in sub-6s and a quarter mile around 14s - would prefer 0-60 at 5s or less and quarter mile closer to 13s.

3) Strong handler both on and off-road (should be able to hang/out run most stock 3-series bmw's, G35's (sedans), etc. both straight line and through the twisties. Needs to be able to trek through some snow and handle a gravel road just fine.

4) Comfortable enough for at least a 4 hour car trip without getting out feeling like you left your butt on the road 150 miles back.

5) reliable

6) decent gas mileage (would love 18-20 around town and at least 25 highway)

7) must be a manual transmission

8) would prefer a wagon, but I legacy gt sedans would work

9) Must be able to be had for about 18g's or less with 75k miles or less.

I'm fine if there might need to be modifications done to the car in order to hit the performance levels I'm after if they won't greatly compromise the reliability of the car. I'm not looking to go nuts with power.

I don't think any one of these cars gives you ALL of these things, but which one would you guys think gets the closest?

Thanks in advance!

[1 Lucky Texan]

well, at least you're not asking for much.

;^)


I'd say the order goes like this;


1. Wrx

2.

3.

4. Legacy

5. Outback

(also, why cplay4me no turbo Forester?)

[Cplay4me]

Hah...yeah...don't want much at all. I'm not very familiar with the turbo Forrester but I do know they are fast. I assumed the wouldn't handle that great and after market would be weaker...I also think they are fugly .

[1 Lucky Texan]

Forester is surprisingly sticky - just has some body roll. that can be fixed. They are light and very quick.

[Gelacy]

I think he's more of the "sedans/wagons only! no girly cuv for this manly man" which is probably what he was going for given his 0-60 times. Being comfortable in a vehicle is relative. Minivans are comfortable for some people compared to luxury coupes being "comfortable" to others.

On a 4 hour trip I'd take a minivan (Sienna) or SUV (Land Cruiser/Sequoia).

[1 Lucky Texan]

Probably should put a test drive in an '08 or '09 STI on the list. maybe too much $$ but it might be the best choice. (I think some folks prefer the 09 but I can't recall why)

[Cplay4me]

08' sti...I was afraid someone might suggest that. I think it would be my ideal but is a bit high on price...sigh. I figured an 06 wrx wagon might be as close as I can get. I drove one And liked it, and when compared to a 07 sti I didn't feel that much diff in pull.

[1 Lucky Texan]

Originally Posted by Cplay4me

08' sti...I was afraid someone might suggest that. I think it would be my ideal but is a bit high on price...sigh. I figured an 06 wrx wagon might be as close as I can get. I drove one And liked it, and when compared to a 07 sti I didn't feel that much diff in pull.

I like mine so far. The only problem has been the Air Cut valves (read; 06 WRX Air Pump Removal - is it safe?? - NASIOC )

I don't have many miles on it though. Only 'mods' are ,Subaru SPT 'pinks' wagon-spec springs (about a 3/4" drop - noticeably stiffer but didn't void warranty on stock struts), Strommung twin tip axle back, stainless braided brakelines, and rims(second set - destroyed my SSRs in a wreck). Brakes are stock except for StopTech Street Perf. pads (awesome pads).

If you will really be off-road, you should consider keeping the stock springs and upgrading rear or F&R anti-sway bars. You 'could' also consider the Tokico adjustable shocks. Not sure on that though. My springs do reduce squat and dive, but can be harsh at long drives.

[Seabass]

If you want handling+manual+wagon, your only feasible choice is the wrx wagon. LGT wagon only came in manual for 05 and there are very few of them around. If you want handling, then stay away from the OBXT unless you are willing to replace the suspension.

The forester xt is also an option. It will blow an obxt away in handling any day.

[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


If you don't care that your driving the car that defines BOY RACER the WRX would be the top choice.

If your Not crazy about the idea of showing up for a big boy meeting with some heavy hitters at work - the legacy GT does a nice job of masking its scrappy nature under a more reserved looking body. Legacy is also far more refined and comfortable for long road trips its the big boy WRX to some extent. Legacy STI gets you into BMW 330 killer wheels - the stock Legacy GT will need to be thrashed hard to put a 330 on notice. However after the thrashing you can drive it home vs the BMW needs a flat bed. LOL