See, Legacy’s extra size adds weight—which typically makes things feel slower and less sporty. A more comfortable ride tends to do the same thing. Though these ‘improvements’ work in most Legacy models, they may prove issues for the few percent shopping this market for a sports sedan-- like the Legacy 2.5GT.
The last-generation Legacy’s 2.5GT variant was a cool, semi-exclusive performance car that drew drivers into the experience of performance motoring. Heaps of grip, a tight steering feel, compact driving dynamics and an overall eager, stable and planted personality made it a car well-suited to any form of all-weather shenanigans drivers felt like enjoying.
Even in factory-tuned Spec.B trim with upgraded performance suspension, your writer found the last-generation Legacy GT delivered a nice balance between ride comfort and handling prowess. And roads in my Northern Ontario locale are about as well maintained as a BP offshore oil well.
Sounded excellent, too. At full throttle, drivers could hear an orchestra of whines in various pitches as the sound of the gearbox and turbocharger overlapped the throaty exhaust note. The old Legacy GT sounded like a taxiing Dash-8 at full throttle, and generated one of those mechanical symphonies you always turned the radio down for.
Ultimately, this was a machine that proved a little small and a bit coarse in some areas—but one that was charming, involving and very rewarding to drive.
Softer, bigger, quieter...better?
Unfortunately, in some ways, the replacement feels like it’s fallen victim to its larger body, added sound insulation and softer underpinnings.
Handling is still excellent, especially given the Legacy’s added size-- though there’s more body roll, less feeling and more mass to resist changes in direction. Legacy GT still makes quick work of corners, though enthusiast drivers have to dig a little harder to get excited about it.
Mash the throttle, and barely more than a deep, muted hum escapes the engine room. That delightful whining sound from the gearbox is still available—but now only with the windows up, stereo off and ears wide open. No easily-audible sound effects from the turbocharger, either. It’s all quieter and more refined, but not as aurally electrifying.
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| A more comfortable ride tends to feel slower and less sporty. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
The last-generation Legacy’s 2.5GT variant was a cool, semi-exclusive performance car that drew drivers into the experience of performance motoring. Heaps of grip, a tight steering feel, compact driving dynamics and an overall eager, stable and planted personality made it a car well-suited to any form of all-weather shenanigans drivers felt like enjoying.
Even in factory-tuned Spec.B trim with upgraded performance suspension, your writer found the last-generation Legacy GT delivered a nice balance between ride comfort and handling prowess. And roads in my Northern Ontario locale are about as well maintained as a BP offshore oil well.
Sounded excellent, too. At full throttle, drivers could hear an orchestra of whines in various pitches as the sound of the gearbox and turbocharger overlapped the throaty exhaust note. The old Legacy GT sounded like a taxiing Dash-8 at full throttle, and generated one of those mechanical symphonies you always turned the radio down for.
Ultimately, this was a machine that proved a little small and a bit coarse in some areas—but one that was charming, involving and very rewarding to drive.
Softer, bigger, quieter...better?
Unfortunately, in some ways, the replacement feels like it’s fallen victim to its larger body, added sound insulation and softer underpinnings.
Handling is still excellent, especially given the Legacy’s added size-- though there’s more body roll, less feeling and more mass to resist changes in direction. Legacy GT still makes quick work of corners, though enthusiast drivers have to dig a little harder to get excited about it.
Mash the throttle, and barely more than a deep, muted hum escapes the engine room. That delightful whining sound from the gearbox is still available—but now only with the windows up, stereo off and ears wide open. No easily-audible sound effects from the turbocharger, either. It’s all quieter and more refined, but not as aurally electrifying.
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| There’s more power this year too—namely 265 ponies versus 243 in the older model. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |