Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B
Drove a new 2008 spec.B today. While certainly a very desirable ride, I came away with somewhat mixed feelings.
Maybe it's because I'm so used to my '06 WRX Limited wagon, but I was not that impressed with the power. Granted it was a brand new vehicle, and I didn't want to abuse it, but it just seemed a bit sluggish to me. Also, I love the "tossability" of my WRX, and I didn't get that same feeling with the spec.B—even with it's upgrade suspension. Again I didn't really press the vehicle, but even so I expected more of a "fun" feeling while driving. Might it be a tad too refined?
The 6-speed tranny is really geared tall. From my limited time with the car, I would say that 6th gear is for 60 mph and above. At 60 the tach was reading ~ 2,100 rpm in 6th gear. So for any quick bursts of speed, dropping 2 or 3 gears is the way to go, as there's virtually no power available at 60 mph in 6th gear.
Also, this car needs a gear indicator read-out on the tach, like the SportShift 5EAT (and the Acura TSX 6-speed!). It's very easy to forget what gear you're in with a close-ratio 6-speed. Heck, my 5-speed WRX also needs one, as it's not unusual to find myself cruising in 4th and thinking that I'm in 5th gear! With a 6-speed, this will be even worse.
The last negative is that it has an annoying up-shift light.
On the positive side, it's much more refined and quieter than my WRX, which I expected. The front seat was also very comfortable, again more so than my WRX's front seat. The standard NAVI will take some getting used to, so I can't really comment on that, other than to say I wish it had live traffic read-outs.
The rear seat was reasonable in terms of comfort and space, again much better than my WRX, but again to be expected. The trunk was also very roomy.
I would like to spend more time in another one (without the salesman riding shotgun). I did play with the SI Drive, but not enough to get a real real sense about it.
My wish list for this car:
• 3.0 H-6 turbo with ~ 300 hp.
• Gear indicator in tach
• Bluetooth capability
• Real-time traffic for NAVI
• MyGiG-like HD for storing music
Bob
Maybe it's because I'm so used to my '06 WRX Limited wagon, but I was not that impressed with the power. Granted it was a brand new vehicle, and I didn't want to abuse it, but it just seemed a bit sluggish to me. Also, I love the "tossability" of my WRX, and I didn't get that same feeling with the spec.B—even with it's upgrade suspension. Again I didn't really press the vehicle, but even so I expected more of a "fun" feeling while driving. Might it be a tad too refined?
The 6-speed tranny is really geared tall. From my limited time with the car, I would say that 6th gear is for 60 mph and above. At 60 the tach was reading ~ 2,100 rpm in 6th gear. So for any quick bursts of speed, dropping 2 or 3 gears is the way to go, as there's virtually no power available at 60 mph in 6th gear.
Also, this car needs a gear indicator read-out on the tach, like the SportShift 5EAT (and the Acura TSX 6-speed!). It's very easy to forget what gear you're in with a close-ratio 6-speed. Heck, my 5-speed WRX also needs one, as it's not unusual to find myself cruising in 4th and thinking that I'm in 5th gear! With a 6-speed, this will be even worse.
The last negative is that it has an annoying up-shift light.
On the positive side, it's much more refined and quieter than my WRX, which I expected. The front seat was also very comfortable, again more so than my WRX's front seat. The standard NAVI will take some getting used to, so I can't really comment on that, other than to say I wish it had live traffic read-outs.
The rear seat was reasonable in terms of comfort and space, again much better than my WRX, but again to be expected. The trunk was also very roomy.
I would like to spend more time in another one (without the salesman riding shotgun). I did play with the SI Drive, but not enough to get a real real sense about it.
My wish list for this car:
• 3.0 H-6 turbo with ~ 300 hp.
• Gear indicator in tach
• Bluetooth capability
• Real-time traffic for NAVI
• MyGiG-like HD for storing music
Bob
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Comments
-mike
I was that thoroughly impressed with the Spec B.
On a side note, the cars currently in our stable are a BMW 3 (selling), Forester XT auto, MR2, etc. So I know a good handling car when I drive one. And this car was capable, and share the same positive review as mkaresh on epinions.com
Granted I don't have a car that goes to 0-60 in anything under 6 sec's, but this seemed very fast to me, with plenty of power on tap in any gear. I got up to 4300 RPM as the car was brand new. I had no problem with long gears or anything. The car feels nimble, the only gripe is a semi soft suspension, but nothing Cobb can't take care of, even in the engine dept.
I was dissapointed at first to see the missing blue seats, but the gray grew on me and looked classy, as well as the updated exterior, the minor details sealed the deal for me in the looks dept., note to auto designers - details DO matter. The paint was beautiful as well in the gray.
The car was a blast too drive and was a perfect mix or refined and sporty. The seats were very comfortable and I really like the low cowl and low dashboard. I hate high dashboards and high doors ala Audi's, etc.
Anyways, I came away very impressed, it was an easy to drive car, sure it could use more power and stiffer handling, but that can be cured by aftermarket. Way to go Subaru! A+++
I never said the car handled poorly. I just said it didn't seem to have the "tossability" of my WRX. I'm sure the same could be said of a Mini vs. a BMW 3; both excellent handling cars, but I bet the Mini is more fun on a country road. That's sort of what I'm suggesting. Again, with more seat time with a spec.B, I could change my mind. I'm sure the same could also be said of a BMW 3 vs. a BMW 5; both excellent handing cars, but the 3 will likely be more fun.
Bob
I don't turn heads all the time with my style, but I definitely take their breath away with SpecB performance. I love not being a cop-magnet. (A big "thank you" to all the WRX drivers out there...)
I got a good deal on the '07, too. :shades:
Step 1: Drive the car.
Step 2: Gulp hard, write check.
Step 3: Smile every time you turn the key and fire it up!
Gene Grim
An intake kit often removes a silencer to increase power, so there is some trade-off. Grinding does not sound normal, though.
-mike
-mike