Hey guys, I've decided that the S2000 is going away, and one of the cars i've always been interested in has been the Legacy GT. I need something more practical with speed and style. Also, i'll probably track and auto x the car as well so handling is a must. What are your thoughts? How does it compare to the STI? I don't know much about either car so any advice/recommendations would be appreciated. W
The LGT is quite capable. It is more comfortable than an STI, but damn near as capable (especially in Spec B trim). And the power is definitely very accessible as well. Hit up will (mrcoffeeatl) about his 20g LGT.
I have an STi now, but I test drove the spec b and it will be my next car. You can tell the car weighs a lot more and it is a little saggier in the corners, but it rides 100x better. For the amount of miles I'm putting on my car I should've gone with the comfort of the legacy (and it was cheaper), but I'm 25 now and wanted the STi. No regrets here, but like I said, the LGTB will most likely be my next car. I don't see myself getting away from AWD anytime soon.
My girl has a LGT in the 5 speed auto trim and it is a very nice car. Torque from the factory is instantaneous and runs all the way to red line. The sport shift is kind of cool and makes it almost like a 5 speed manual instead of a 5 speed automatic. The push button shifting on the steering wheel is pretty interesting too. I love the looks and the ride is VERY smooth. Don't think you will be disappointed.
You make a LGT just as fast as any STi. Just depends on how much money you have to spend on it I think the LGT is a perfect compromise between confort and speed. It is a great sleeper car
5 speed Legacy GT's are a bitch to find. There are a ton of the 5 speed autos. I drove the auto and did not like it. The response to my right foot was not as responsive as I would have liked. I drove the 5 speed and it was great. I just wish I could have found a new one. The 5 speed I drove was used. I kick myself for not jumping on a Spec-B that was discounted to something like $5K off MSRP(this was 5 months ago). I have not seen a deal like that since and it pains me to know what I missed. Grab one if you can find one.
I did a quick look on the local dealer's websites. SoG has a 08 Spec-B. Subaru of South Atlanta has an 09 Spec-B. Those are the only new Legacy GT's with manuals around. Classic has a CPO(Certified Pre-Owned) 08 Legacy GT. I have driven it. It was great.
love my LGT....many people hear the Subaru sound yet can't figure out where its coming from. I almost have 50k and haven't had a problem with it yet! Also much more under the radar then the STI etc...not knocking the STI..love that car, but ya know what I mean.
New 08+ STI is just comfy and roomy as Legacy GT PLUS it's faster as well. Currently, there is massive discount available for 08 STI left over. I wish I waited a month or two to get save $3-4k, but oh well... no regrets. BTW, the one of big advantage of 09 Legacy GT is its standard HK audio system.
Your 08 STi is not faster than my Legacy In fairness, I do think the new WRX/STi are much more refined than the previous gen. My only gripe with the loaner 08 Wagon I had was the space in the trunk. The cabin space was excellent and it was almost as comfy as my Legacy. If you can get an 08 STi for under $30K, I would say go for it. Arent the nex Imprezza's based on the Legacy chasis?
Thanks guys. I'm not looking for comfort, just a compromise between power and space. I won't be doing any engine mods to any car that I buy so i should probably just go with the STI. From what i read, the 08 STI and the 08 WRX are not that different performance wise. I really don't want to pay 40k for a 09 though.
Not to mention i'll be going from tail happy RWD with snap oversteer to AWD... it kinda freaks me out a little to think i'll never get sideways again...
The 08 STI and the 09 WRX are closer performance wise (the 09 WRX got a bump in HP up to 265ish). Although I haven't driven an 08 STI yet, I would definitely check one out if I were you. It is still quite easy to get the AWD Subaru sideways (hell even just power-on oversteer)
I may be getting the 08 or 09 Spec B also...if not, I am going to convert my FXT into the FXTSTi.... Mark
If performance is your main concern I would stick with the STI. I just traded in my 06 STI for a new legacy gt. In my limited experience with the legacy, I would say the performance is more than adequate for daily driving. If I planned to track the car I would go with the STI. I'm not sure about the 08 STI but in my 06 space was an issue, the backseat was pretty much useless.
+1....They are very roomy inside....Heck I met up with Doug today and he had a child seat with daughter in tote with him.
I adjusted the driver seat for me(6'6" 220lb) and then I got in the back seat behind the driver. I had to split my legs around the back of the seat, but I was comfortable. This reason alone is a big part in me wanting a STI(an the power, handling, etc.)