Dad's view: Both of these cars are serious performers well capable of doing daily duty as family haulers while providing badly needed stimulation for those times when you need a little adrenaline. The ride in the WRX is choppy owing to its short wheelbase, and that of the Legacy more akin to that of a Camry SE with low profile tires.
The Legacy has been redesigned and its was handsomely done. However, the big news isn't the sheet metal, but in the form of a modified version of the WRX STi's 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 250 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. This four-cylinder engine is going to make you fall in love, especially when equipped the standard manual transmission. The five-speed automatic takes some of the edge off acceleration, but I would prefer it in daily use. You can save money by opting for the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but don't drive this model after you test the turbo because you would most likely feel that you left the parking brake on. Don't downplay this engine, though, because it is less expensive to buy, operate, and insure and you still get the reassurance of Subaru's proven wet weather traction.
Perhaps the greatest praise I could give the WRX is that it is so handy that you tend to forget it is a just a few alterations from being a rally car. As for the Legacy, I would prefer it to the excellent Mazda 6 and the similarly priced Acura TL. In fact, I would prefer it to pretty much anything in this price range. Of course, you should know that we have owned and enjoyed Subarus in the past so we have a bias.
Young sandwich making male's view: Both cars needed premium fuel, and with gas prices just this side of home ownership, that is something to consider with this pair. Although gas mileage was seldom under 20 mpg, it was also seldom close to the 25 cited by the government either. Perhaps it was the irresistible spine straightening acceleration that produced such low gas mileage numbers.
The quick steering on the WRX makes highway travel tiring over time. Just a little input results in lane changes whereas the GT is more lenient. If you talk on a cell phone don't drive the WRX because it does not take kindly to distractions. Braking for both cars is exceptional, although the Legacy pedal feel is much too spongy for such a high performance car. It should be pointed out that both of our test cars had very low mileage and that could impact on the mileage and braking performance.
The WRX wagon had a very tight back seat should only be held responsibly for two adults. The Legacy offered more room and better seats. Visibility was very good in these cars and that includes the headlights and night interior lighting.
It is difficult to ignore either of these cars, but since the Legacy has been served up with a better chassis thanks to the use of lighter metals, a longer wheelbase for more room and better handling, a repositioned engine that lowers the center of gravity, and a more mainstream exterior, I would go that route. Although the WRX is fun, the Legacy is more so. In fact, I believe that if Subaru has any sense at all they are going to simply put the 300 horsepower STi engine in the Legacy and create BMW's worst nightmare, a station wagon that can outperform all but its most expensive machinery.
Young working woman's view: This dynamic duo made me yearn for a less responsible nature. They did everything well and never drew negative attention. Standard equipment on the Legacy was four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, front side-impact airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. Another valuable safety feature is front-seat head restraints with dynamic whiplash protection. And, with cars this swift, safety is a concern because they both can get to 60 mph in six seconds or less making them among the fastest family vehicles you can buy.
We all agreed these were quick cars, but what about living with them on a daily basis? Well, that is difficult to answer because both of our test cars had standard transmissions that made them eager, but demanding to drive, especially the peaky WRX. I never did feel at easy with the Subaru's clutch despite its easy nature. Other than that the cars were very compelling, only straining our relationship with an occasional hick-up while stopping at a traffic light with the air-conditioning on high. The heater was superior, the heated seats worked rapidly, and the defroster more than adequate to handle an ice storm. Thus I would buy the Outback Legacy wagon with the automatic, forget the more expensive turbocharged version, and get that English Mastiff from the rescue people I have been pining away for since the family dog died. (http://mastiff.org/exhibit-hall/rescue/ender.mv)
The Legacy has been redesigned and its was handsomely done. However, the big news isn't the sheet metal, but in the form of a modified version of the WRX STi's 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 250 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. This four-cylinder engine is going to make you fall in love, especially when equipped the standard manual transmission. The five-speed automatic takes some of the edge off acceleration, but I would prefer it in daily use. You can save money by opting for the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, but don't drive this model after you test the turbo because you would most likely feel that you left the parking brake on. Don't downplay this engine, though, because it is less expensive to buy, operate, and insure and you still get the reassurance of Subaru's proven wet weather traction.
Perhaps the greatest praise I could give the WRX is that it is so handy that you tend to forget it is a just a few alterations from being a rally car. As for the Legacy, I would prefer it to the excellent Mazda 6 and the similarly priced Acura TL. In fact, I would prefer it to pretty much anything in this price range. Of course, you should know that we have owned and enjoyed Subarus in the past so we have a bias.
Young sandwich making male's view: Both cars needed premium fuel, and with gas prices just this side of home ownership, that is something to consider with this pair. Although gas mileage was seldom under 20 mpg, it was also seldom close to the 25 cited by the government either. Perhaps it was the irresistible spine straightening acceleration that produced such low gas mileage numbers.
The quick steering on the WRX makes highway travel tiring over time. Just a little input results in lane changes whereas the GT is more lenient. If you talk on a cell phone don't drive the WRX because it does not take kindly to distractions. Braking for both cars is exceptional, although the Legacy pedal feel is much too spongy for such a high performance car. It should be pointed out that both of our test cars had very low mileage and that could impact on the mileage and braking performance.
The WRX wagon had a very tight back seat should only be held responsibly for two adults. The Legacy offered more room and better seats. Visibility was very good in these cars and that includes the headlights and night interior lighting.
It is difficult to ignore either of these cars, but since the Legacy has been served up with a better chassis thanks to the use of lighter metals, a longer wheelbase for more room and better handling, a repositioned engine that lowers the center of gravity, and a more mainstream exterior, I would go that route. Although the WRX is fun, the Legacy is more so. In fact, I believe that if Subaru has any sense at all they are going to simply put the 300 horsepower STi engine in the Legacy and create BMW's worst nightmare, a station wagon that can outperform all but its most expensive machinery.
Young working woman's view: This dynamic duo made me yearn for a less responsible nature. They did everything well and never drew negative attention. Standard equipment on the Legacy was four-wheel antilock disc brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, front side-impact airbags, and full-length side curtain airbags. Another valuable safety feature is front-seat head restraints with dynamic whiplash protection. And, with cars this swift, safety is a concern because they both can get to 60 mph in six seconds or less making them among the fastest family vehicles you can buy.
We all agreed these were quick cars, but what about living with them on a daily basis? Well, that is difficult to answer because both of our test cars had standard transmissions that made them eager, but demanding to drive, especially the peaky WRX. I never did feel at easy with the Subaru's clutch despite its easy nature. Other than that the cars were very compelling, only straining our relationship with an occasional hick-up while stopping at a traffic light with the air-conditioning on high. The heater was superior, the heated seats worked rapidly, and the defroster more than adequate to handle an ice storm. Thus I would buy the Outback Legacy wagon with the automatic, forget the more expensive turbocharged version, and get that English Mastiff from the rescue people I have been pining away for since the family dog died. (http://mastiff.org/exhibit-hall/rescue/ender.mv)