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Normally Aspirated vs. GT wagon...Limited


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I am guessing this has already been talked about but I have searched this forum and cannot seem to find it. It seems now that I have a hunger for a 05+ Legacy wagon with a manual tranny, everyone else is looking for the same thing. I originally was thinking the GT was the way to go and it most likely still is, but, I am thinking that for long term ownership the normally aspirated 2.5 would be better. My current wagon is a 01 LL Bean Outback with the H-6. It currently has 230K mi on it and it is outstanding shape but my plan is for my son to start driving it within the next few months, so the new Legacy would become my daily driver. I drive about 80mi/day, 4 days a week....so the bonus of it being normally aspirated is the better gas mileage.

 

So, can anyone comment on any specific differences between the Limited 2.5i and the Limited GT either with a manual tranny? Aside from the turbo, is the suspension tuned differently? Are there any interior amenities that are different? I did notice that limited n/a wagons have manual passenger seats vs the power seats of the GT...

 

Yes, I understand that the GT would be a ton more fun...so no need to mention that!

 

Thanks for any help with this!

 

-r

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I guess the main difference between the N/A and the LGT would be the engine. As far as luxuries go, if you get the limited version of the N/A wagon, you should pretty much have the same luxuries as the LGT. However, I believe the limited version only comes in the 4EAT. Also, speaking from the gas mileage point of view, the N/A and the LGT has pretty much the same EPA estimated gas mileage. Except that LGT could only take premium while the 2.5i takes regular.
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  • I Donated

The only year either was available with a manual transmission was 2005.

 

http://www.cars101.com/subaru/legacy/legacy2005.html#overview

 

Looks like the main differences are powertrain, steering, and brake upgrades, 17" wheels vs. 16", EL gauges, turn signals in the mirrors, immobilizer, and the aforementioned power passenger seat.

 

Also, speaking from the gas mileage point of view, the N/A and the LGT has pretty much the same EPA estimated gas mileage. Except that LGT could only take premium while the 2.5i takes regular.

 

17/23 vs. 23/30? That's pretty much the same, right? :lol:

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All Subaru's get the same gas mileage in the real world.
[URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard
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Not sure if serious...

 

Within a few percent, absolutely.

 

My XT will do 26-27!on the highway without much effort. The 2.5i Outback I had did about the same.

[URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard
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Within a few percent, absolutely.

 

My XT will do 26-27!on the highway without much effort. The 2.5i Outback I had did about the same.

 

Before I got my tune, my LGT struggled to get 24-25 on the highway. My dad's 2010 Outback gets 30 no problem. (My LGT on the new tune can do 29 on summer gas and 26-27 on winter gas.)

 

Furthermore, if I thrash my car around town, I get 17-19mpg. It was even worse on my mickeyd2005 Stage 1 tune -- like 15-17. I've never managed to get below 20-21ish on my dad's Outback, even when I was DDing it before I got my LGT when he had a broken left leg and had to borrow a Corolla with an autotragic.

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I should have clarified 4th gens, though I thought that was implied.

 

I did, however, manage a 33mpg tank in an 08 WRX when I was DDing it for a week.

[URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/proper-flip-key-interesti-159894.html"]Flip Key Development Thread[/URL] "Genius may have its limitations, but stupidity is not thus handicapped." - E. Hubbard
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I just test drove a 2006 GT and a 2006 2.5i and there is a big difference IMHO. 2.5i brakes are way mushier and suspension is much softer. No comparison on power, as expected. Inside both were the same since I drove Limited in both versions. I'm looking to go back to Subaru (from a4 avant) and thought that 2.5i would be enough but that's just not the case. GT all the way.
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I just test drove a 2006 GT and a 2006 2.5i and there is a big difference IMHO. 2.5i brakes are way mushier and suspension is much softer. No comparison on power, as expected. Inside both were the same since I drove Limited in both versions. I'm looking to go back to Subaru (from a4 avant) and thought that 2.5i would be enough but that's just not the case. GT all the way.

 

Well, that's pretty much the type of comparison I was looking for. Luckily for you, they should be pretty abundant in your side of the states....here in the southeast, it is near impossible to find one :eek:

 

-r

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The highest I have ever seen on my 6 spd(which i believe is slightly taller gearing than the 5spd) was 27 MPG on the hwy with a stg 2 tune. My GF's 09 2.5i LTD has gotten 33 mpg but usually gets ~30mpg's hwy and avg's ~27 with mixed city/hwy so I would say its quite a bit better.
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My 280whp 2005 wagon gets over 24mpg on my DD. When I got the work today it was 28.5mpg on the dash. 35 miles on this tank fill.

 

Get the turbo and keep it around 68-72mph on the highway, you'll like it.

305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD).  CHECK your oil, these cars use it.

 

Engine Build - Click Here

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Definitely hard to find, and it's very hard to find in the Southeast.

 

I came across a RBP GT Wagon 5spd w/ 68k on it near Raleigh NC within the past month, but I wasn't comfortable with the slightly suspicious condition of the car and the car dealer that had it was an absolute PIA to deal with. Wouldn't give me ANY information about the car itself that I was asking for.

 

If you're open to travel, there's a very cherry looking Black GT Wagon 5spd near Chicago w/ 69k miles on it. Asking price is $15.9 tho...

 

Keep looking...that's what I'm doing ;)

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