Subaru Legacy GT Limited vs Mazdaspeed6

[FastlaneV6GT]

If you had to choose between the two, which would you choose? Keep in mind the following:

The prices are very close

Both have about the same 1/4 mile time (Mazdaspeed 6 is heavier but has more power)

Both have AWD

So, when you choose, please explain why you chose it. Thanks!

[kse73]

Legacy GT Limited. Almost chose it over the GTO but the insurance prices weren't as bad as I had anticipated. Definitely like the look and the balance of the Legacy with the Boxer engine.

[bigbenSC]

The Mazda is old and about to be replaced, so I'd skip it. For the price of the Subaru you could get an Acura TSX and although it is about to be replaced, it is still a pretty nice car.

[FastlaneV6GT]

Originally Posted by bigbengt67

For the price of the Subaru you could get an Acura TSX and although it is about to be replaced, it is still a pretty nice car.

True, but does the Acura have AWD and can it run 14.1 in the 1/4 mile?

Edit- Also, if you guys can think of a car with similar features and price, let me know.

[gaowners32]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=109487

Sitting down in the 2006 Subaru Legacy GT spec.B, cognitive dissonance begins to swirl. Turning the key of the 2006 Mazdaspeed 6 inspires a similar, immediate itchiness — contradictions of character sprout up within the soul.

"I smell fumes. I hear turbocharging. I feel tuned suspension. So why do I see family sedans? And storage space? I'm beginning to question everything," you say.

Ah yes, young pupil. Sit down. Calm and clear your mind. We'll be your guide through these troubled thoughts.

"But there is no wing. There are no decals. These cupholders are convenient!"

Easy there. With age comes wisdom, yes? But that doesn't mean with age comes boredom. So how can one be at once powerful, yet civilized? Or daring, yet prudent?

The answer, my dear young-to-middle-aged enthusiast, is stealth.

For those moving beyond that somewhat high school-inspired need to impress others through looks alone (Hypercolor shirts? Oakley shades? Ford Probes?), but not quite ready to do zero to 60 mph in the time it takes to change a messy toddler, there is a place for you. Or perhaps you'd like some BMW M5 or Mercedes E55-style performance, but find yourself in a slightly lower tax bracket. This is the test for you.

Classic foes in a niche market
Subaru's Legacy GT spec.B and Mazda's Mazdaspeed 6 offer an enticing blend of performance and practicality, getting you onto the on-ramp with the anonymity of a family sedan but packing the punch needed to blow some doors off if need be.

Both cars are souped-up versions of more sedate family sedans. Each packs a powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a manual transmission, all-wheel drive and sticky 18-inch tires.

From the Mazda 6 comes the Mazdaspeed 6. This particular car was a Grand Touring model propped up on Bridgestone Potenza RE050A summer tires with 18-inch rims. To get it up to the spec.B's trim level, we cherry-picked a navigation system and power moonroof to bring the price from $30,000 up to $33,425.

The spec.B stands atop the proud lineage of the Subaru Legacy. But this model comes not only with the 2.5-liter engine of the Legacy GT, but also with sport-tuned suspension, a refined interior design and nav system standard. Ours wore the same Bridgestone Potenzas as the Mazda and some equally fresh 18-inch rims. Its sticker price was $34,620.

Pitting these two Trojan horses against one another is as natural as the classic Subaru STI-Mitsubishi Evo duel. We've got 250 horses and a five-speed manual in the Subaru. There's 274 hp in the six-speed Mazda. But as with any competition between closely matched competitors, the answer to who wins likely says more about the driver than the car.

Scoreboard
The torque-soaked Subaru gives you better acceleration, jetting to 60 mph and through the quarter-mile well ahead of its competitor. But the slightly heavier Mazda gives you better handling, chewing up the slalom slightly faster than the Subaru with much better body control.

From there, the questions become murkier. Which looks better? Which sounds better? Five speeds or six? This navigation system or that navigation system?

"But with so great a decision resting on so many factors, how can I make a clear decision?" you ask. Good question.

Despite our infinite wisdom, we struggled with the same question. And in this case, among three editors, the Subaru won with one, the Mazda won with another and the third called it a draw. So making a clear call as to the superior vehicle was difficult. But this is no game for cowards, and there can be only one winner.

In the end, the Mazda won for its vastly superior handling. The body roll of the spec.B just won't fly for those tearing up this sporty detour along the path to middle age. Even while touring the highways, where the Subaru team obviously tuned the spec.B's suspension to shine, the Mazdaspeed keeps you plenty comfortable for everyday driving — all the more comfortable knowing you have world-class performance handling at the ready.

Go forth with stealth and pavement-carving prowess, young road warrior. And woe to the minivan or Camry who dares cut you off. Don't forget to give them a "Watch it, Grandpa!" on the way past.

[FastlaneV6GT]

Nice article. So, i'm assuming your choice is the Mazdaspeed6?

[gaowners32]

Are you what tirerack.com would call a spirited driver?

If so go with the MAZDASPEED6.

Personally I would go with the scubby!

This one picture thread makes me drool.



http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46358

Join the forum ask some questions. There is also a perspective buyer’s section to ask buyer questions. Also many dealers located on that forum.

[FastlaneV6GT]

I'm not one to take corners too aggressively, but I do like a good suspension.

[Mirage85]

What about a Subaru WRX, or the Lancer RalliArt?

RalliArt might be a little ways off, but it looks sick, has a turbo, and is AWD. I was in Roanoke VA over the weekend (Going back this weekend) and the Mitsu dealer had 2 truckloads of the new Evolution sitting there. Man are they HOT! I gotta download the pics off my phone. The EVO is sweet, but might be a couple grand more than your wanting to spend.

[SikMindz]

Why not a low mileage BMW 3 Series xi? AWD and Bimmer handling and ride comfort is to die for.

[pontga00]

I might be biased...but my daily driver now is a 05 Legacy GT. It's not a Limited, but the only major difference between the Limited and the non-Lmtd is some interior features and sunroof if I'm not mistaken...Powertrain and suspension wise they are the same. The 07-08 Legacy GT's have a little more power because Subaru did away with the cat in the up-pipe for the newer model years...

I have never driven a MS6...

With all that said...the LGT is fun as hell to drive. I have had it now for about 3 months, and thus far have had absolutly no complaints. Mine is stock, and automatic, but with the sportshift, its real fun to play around in. It handles really well, is a real smooth ride, and is fast enough as a daily driver...It also has some real modding potential. The tranny is strong and supposedly can withstand 400+ HP without any mods. Having the AWD is a major plus in the snow (but since both cars you're looking at have AWD, thats really not a big deal). Turbo lag is minimal, but unless you're racing who really cars.

The interior is nice, but could be a little better. The seats are comfortable.

Check out LegacyGT.com for more info...thats what I did before I made my final decision. The members on that site are as knowledgable and willing to help as the members on this site are for the GA.

[timberwoof]

I personnally would go with the Mazdaspeed 6. I've seen both of the cars run at local autocross events in the area and the Mazda is usually the one on top. The guys that run them both say they wouldn't trade their cars. But the Mazda owner is usually the one more enthusiastic about it.

I was looking into getting a MS6 when I was looking for a new, but the my GA was the cheaper of the two evils.

[Mike3800]

Having seen them go on the street.... since speed is important in the decision, the Mazda is a complete joke. Subaru without question.

[notsoaveragej0e]

Originally Posted by SikMindz

Why not a low mileage BMX 3 Series xi? AWD and Bimmer handling and ride comfort is to die for.

I thought BMX's were only 1 wheel drive?

[SikMindz]

Focker.

I work for an action sports company and was looking at some contracts I'm writing up. Fockin' bikers.

Out of the two I'd go with the Legacy. There are just too many 6's on the road.

[timberwoof]

test drive them both and make your own decision. the Subie is the more luxurious, and more practical for a family.

[xxbackhillxx]

get the subi. my roommate has one and it handles like a wet dream.

[GregFarz78]

If you want resale value get t he subie the speed 6 is about to be replaced and they dont have great resale value to begin with

oh and the speed 6 isnt AWD its SH-AWD

[thespeter]

I drive a Legacy GT, so my bias is obvious, but I haven't had to do any repairs but replace headlamp bulbs and a clutch in 4-1/2 years--and I DRIVE mine (autocross, rallycross, road rally, etc.). I don't prefer the heavier feel of the 'speed. There are a lot more tolerances built into the Subie, especially in the wheel wells, ground clearance, and with the turbo boost programming. Though I have not driven one yet, I know the new Legacy GTs have the "iDrive" adjustable suspension, which can come in handy for different situations.

I also happen to be a Mazda service advisor, and the 'speed6 seems a little more trouble-prone due to programming-related inconsistencies. They are by no means unreliable, but they seem a little more finicky and high strung than my Leg. This is just splitting hairs, though. They are both excellent rides. I think 'speed6 owners ARE a little more fanatical about them--they drive me crazy with the most persnickety questions I've ever heard.

As mentioned before, there is a lot more aftermarket support for the Subaru thanks to the STi, which has the same engine block and setup as the GT. Here in Alaska, the 'speed6s are more distinctive because there aren't as many around as there are Legacys. Plus they just plain looker meaner.

If safety is a big concern of yours, the Legacy is rated at five stars for all five passengers. I think the 6 is good too, but the Legacy is king as far as NHTSA ratings go--even besting all the Volvos and Mercedes.

Just because the 6 is about to be replaced is no reason to discount it: that means all the bugs have been worked out. the 'speed6 is also much rarer than the Legacy, which will make it a classic. All Mazdaspeed models are highly sought after, even if Mazdas in general may not be as high in resale. Subarus are near the top of the resale rate chain.

Definitely test drive both of them! Only you will know which you prefer to drive, and for the money it takes to get in one, that is key: buy the car you love to be in!

[surreal_awakeni]

I say go with the scooby. But the most important thing is to drive them both. It's amazing how much you can like a car before the test drive and hate it afterward. Never buy without driving first. I was looking at the Legacy GT, but I decided to rehab the ho and put some money into another project I've got on the drawing boards. But my cuz bought a Legacy and it is definitely sweet. And that pic up there ^^^^ is bloody badass!