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Legacy GT v. Spec B v. Mazdaspeed 6
taxesquire
Member Posts: 681
To anyone who's driven 2 out of these 3, what is your take on the similarities and differences between these vehicles?
I'm not in the market to buy, but these 3 cars really intrigue me - I've heard that the extra costs of the Spec B is not worthwhile over the GT, and that between the GT or Spec B and the 6, the Subaru is faster, but the Mazda handles better.
What's your experience?
I'm not in the market to buy, but these 3 cars really intrigue me - I've heard that the extra costs of the Spec B is not worthwhile over the GT, and that between the GT or Spec B and the 6, the Subaru is faster, but the Mazda handles better.
What's your experience?
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Comments
In regards to the GT being faster then the Speed6, it is slightly, because of the gearing. However, I have gotten the Speed6 to 60 in 5.4 seconds, repeatedly This summer, I will be at the track to see how it does.
Handling is much better in the Speed6 over the GT. Much less body roll. Spec B has improved handling over the GT but not Speed6.
Subaru does have a more sophisticated AWD system, as opposed to Mazdas Active-Torque Split AWD.
Mazda 6 is ok, but the awd and the transverse engine is the spoiler for me.
-mike
My twin bother has a Speed6, and chose it over the Leg GT. His we are taking to the track when it opens in the spring.
Even though Subaru has a phenomenal AWD system, it is still inferior to the Mazda's handling.
STi Limited edition is still much smaller so for those of us who can't fit in it, the SpecB is where it's at. I am personally waiting for the next gen leg cause the leg is just too small for my liking though.
-mike
Is it supposed to gain in room, or are you hoping it does? I find that our new Outback has more usable space in the cargo area (with rear seat backs up), but usable leg room in the rear seats is highly diminished compared to our '96 Outback. Granted, I am talking wagons here, but I would expect that the passenger compartment in the sedan is the same.
-mike
That's what I have been hearing. My fiance is looking for the new Impreza as well to replace her 2002.
Many mfg's are having their best sellers grow in size. Sans Nissan Altima, and Maxima. Remember how small the Altima used to be? Heck, the late 90's Legacy is the size of the current Impreza.
-mike
Weight is balanced front to rear, and the AWD actually biases more power to the rear wheels.
The spec.B adds Bilstein shocks and firmer tuning. I haven't driven one, but when you look at the price keep in mind it has black/blue heated leather seats and GPS Nav standard. Look at it as an alternative to an Audi A4, or perhaps a completely loaded MazdaSpeed6.
I drove the MazdaSpeed6 at Zoom Zoom Live. It was a short course, basically an autocross course with cones and stuff, tight turns, not much room to accelerate.
Under those non-ideal circumstances, the Speed6 was disappointing. On paper it looked better, and I expected more. It felt heavy, lazy around the turns. More roll than I expected, and perhaps because the course didn't allow the turbo to spool up, not nearly as quick as I had expected.
The Haldex works fine, but there was still too much understeer for my liking. The worst thing about it was that it felt nose heavy, i.e. even though it has AWD it feels like FWD.
Not really a fair comparison, though, because the Legacy I drove had longer straights for the turbo to spool up, but I liked it much better on the (longer, better) track.
Drive them both, one thing the Mazda has going for it right now is incredible value, the few that are left over have huge incentives and represent a phenomenal bargain.
Also, search Car & Driver and Road & Track back issues. C&D compared them directly and picked the Mazda. R&T compared a larger group and picked the Subaru. Split decision.
In the latter, they went to a wide open track, and the Subie scored better lap times. The Mazda held its own, I think it came in 2nd ahead of BMW, Audi, and Infiniti.
Two great cars, shop them both.
-juice
PS I also drove a Miata and an RX7 at Zoom Zoom Live, and those impressed me far more. Perhaps their non-turbo powertrains and lighter weight put the Speed6 at a disadvantage.
Ken
The MazdaSpeed3 has an engine mount issue, and it's bad enough that photos are circulating on the internet with engines that basically nearly fell out of the engine bays. There was talk of about 4-6 cases so far.
I'm sure Mazda will step up and sort these out ASAP. For owners I'd suggest a bit of lock-tite to be safe. It's the mount at the very front of the engine on the driver's side.
I love those cars but was bummed when Mazda announced they'd be FWD only. I'd still take one over a GTI any day.
-juice
Yes, I actually happened to notice this a few months ago when I saw a video dyno of the Mazdaspeed3, and the engine would jerk all the way to the firewall. I did not look good. I'm sure Mazda will address this issue rather quickly.
Mazda seems to step up, though.
-juice
Using Autotrader.com, I've been able to find a few 2005 GT models locally with manual tranny for just over $20K. I am enamored with the extra power offered by the GT, but I wonder if it's worth it.
If I go with the 2.5i, there are a few advantages: local sales prices, even on 2006 models, are easily under $20K; I won't have to use premium fuel, and; I will get better gas mileage. I also assume that my insurance premiums will be lower. So, I could get a newer car with fewer miles but with less HP.
Are there any other considerations between the two models? I'm sure it's a matter of "what do you really want," but I wonder if there's really that much of a cost difference. I know that I really want the GT's power now, but six months from now, I may be more worried about about the costs.
I would consider the Mazdaspeed6, but prices around here for a 2006 are north of the $23K mark. I could probably get a 2006 WRX for under $20K, but it has that boy-racer persona.
The other car I'm seriously considering is a 2004-2005 G35 sedan, but I would probably have to give up the stick shift. I know Infiniti offers the manual, but they are hard to find in the sedan!
Thanks,
Greg
-mike
Also, an '05 GT will have depreciated more than an '06 2.5 - the fact that GTs are still more expensive shows that financially, you may do better buying a used GT than a new 2.5, which will depreciate more rapidly and significantly since the most expensive part of the car is the engine, and the GT's engine is better/more desireable.
You could get a left over 2006 MazdaSpeed6 for low $20s, close enough that it might have been worth it to stretch the budget and buy new. After all, you get a longer warranty.
The rebate on the 06s is something like $3750, not sure exactly but it was over $3 grand. The 07s only have a $1000 rebate (just read Automotive News today, so that's my source).
Same for the Legacy GT, at the end of MY2006 I saw some in the $22k range. But the 07s just arrived and are price higher right now.
Comparing the GT vs. the 2.5i, keep in mind the GT has heated seats standard, plus the extra power, and if you get an automatic it's a 5 speed vs. a 4 speed. I think it also adds the rear Limited-slip diff, for even better traction. Depending on the model year, the wheels and tires are bigger and sportier.
Premium fuel will cost you a premium of about $150 a year, not that significant IMO. If you drive the P5 hard, you'll really enjoy the GT more. If you don't, and just light-foot it to save gas, go for the 2.5i. Be honest with yourself, basically, and you'll be happier.
-juice
You not going to belive this..and Im a lil surprised myself !
Other day was on way home in my 05 GT, I came to the red light.I looked over and was a black Charger SRT8 with a big hemi 425 emblem on side. I looked and thought nice car wasnt thinking nothing else, I moved forward couple inches waiting for the light..then he rolled forward too, I rolled up a lil again he did too again.
SO I thought what the hell..I moved over my shifter in sport mode..he looked over at me,we both sitting at 2 lanes that merge left onto divded 4 lane hiway he had inside lane.
Light goes green we both hit it...going aroung the turn I let up slightly lost a lil rpm so quickly put it to the floor ..I was waiting him to pass me heading down the hiway I could hear his HEMI LOL..but never saw him up to my drivers door was on my rear quarter..I looked at my speedo was on 80 mph..he still not passed me ..being alot of cops in this area usually I let off at 85 or so..then he went by me lol. I figured at 90 he would have passed me, but up to 80+ i was out ahead . Wish I had kept going but like I said alot cops in this area didnt want go jail going 100 + lol.
I guess that Dodge driver had a lil surpise too.
My subie seemed to get faster when it clicked over 12k miles I now have 14k on it and use mobil 1 oil. Otherwise its all original. Love my Subie !! :shades:
How gratifying is it beating an American V8 with a [non-permissible content removed] turbo4?? I happen to eat it up myself!! :shades:
He was being gentle on you, also the SRT8 has way better brakes.
It is also $45k though.
-mike
Mike your a driving instructor ? You own a Subie ?
I was thinking if I was in a STI he would have had no chance. Go Subie !
Fun hearing your replies !
Again, the driver didn't know how to drive as I was in an SRT8 this past weekend and it'll take a LGT any day in anything but the twistiest of turns stock for stock.
-mike
So how do other Subies fare in stock form?
Ken
I may have to give the Mazdaspeed6 another look; it may be worth stretching the budget!
Overall, I have more confidence in the LGT than the MS6, since Subaru has been using the same platform and drivetrain for years. The MS6 seems more like a "specialty" vehicle, and I wonder how it will hold up in the long run.
FWIW, I got insurance quotes on both a 2005 LGT and 2004 G35, and the amounts are very close. They're actually cheaper to insure than my P5!
BTW, the G35 sedan is offered with a manual. I actually found a 2003 for sale locally. The problem is that most of them have the automatic. I have the same frustration with the Altima--it is offered with a stick, but it seems there are very few available.
Thanks again,
Greg
By the way, I'm now in the market for a used LGT as a daily driver.
-mike
-juice
Well anyway that Dodge guy can have his SRT8 I will stick with my LGT and keep the $21k diffrence in my pocket.
Not to mention superb handling in the rain and oh yes I can drive in the snow too ! lol. :shades:
I'm looking for a LGT for my daily driver, the SRT8 is nice but not $45k nice.
-mike
-mike
That sedan does come in manual, though. I have one. But as noted, it was hard to find. Did you mean the x, as you menionted in a later post?
-mike
Black, grey int,auto 43k miles asking $18,985.00.
LOL..today I saw Mr SRT8 again same area but this time we were going opposite directions I was coming off the hiway he was going on hiway.Damn too bad was raining today would have loved pulled up next to him lol..he was looking over as I passed by going other direction. He must work near me stayed tuned ! lol.
I'm looking for an MT 05 or 06 Sedan or Wagon GT or GT Limited. I may go new but figure I'll put the money aside and then take it from there.
-mike
Just saw the consumer reports rankings for autos reported by USA TODAY.
Anyone see it yet ?
Mercedes ranks last for reliability.
Bmw was rated as bad bets too.
Top rated was Toyota,Honda,and Subaru.
:shades:
Forester,Impreza,Legacy and Outback and had top ratings .
The results don't surprise me at all, in fact they're consistent with what I've observed on these boards.
-juice
-juice
My fiance's 2002 Impreza has had the head gaskets replaced, fuel lines, wheel bearings, and intake manifold replaced. All before 55K, and all in the last 6 months or so. Her tranny is starting to shift hard now (auto), particularly in 2nd gear. Any thoughts on that one?
Her fathers 2004 Forester also had the fuel lines replaced before 50K, when he traded it for a CX-7.
-mike
For the trans, I agree with mike, have the fluid flushed. See if the place has one of those Hunter machines that forces new fluid in while it vacuums the old fluid out.
I just saw an ad for Aamco for $99 they do it once a year for the lifetime of the car, FWIW.
Fuel lines? First I've heard of that. Maybe it's the new E10 gas (10% ethanol).
-juice
Not sure what is causing it. My service mgr has told me for the early WRX's and 2.5 RS's, the fuel lines have been being replaced, quite often, as well as Foresters from 1999-2004. I'm shocked myself.
I really do not think the tranny fluid has been done in a while, if at all. I cannot find the record for it. I will try the tranny flush. Thanks.
Sorry to get off topic everyone.