Hi all - first post. Ive been reading these forums for a couple days now - getting familiar with the car. Yesterday I test drove the 8 for the second time (this time in a white GT). I have also driven the new subby Legacy GT a few times. As strange as it sounds I am considering these 2 cars. Very different I know but both great cars. Im lookin for opinions from both sides of the coin - as I have also posted this on Legacygt.com. By the way if youre not familiar with the new LGT has a detuned STi engine 250hp/250tq (many have shown it to be underrated). It is exremely modifiable and can be had for a slight bit less than an RX8 GT from my understanding.
Heres a list of what I like about the Rx8:
Handling
Braking
Style
Ergonomics
Coupe with 4 seats and 4 doors
Shifter
6 gears
50/50 balance

Things I did not like:
Plastics felt a bit cheap
Vinyl in center of seats is really cheap feeling
Small windows
High door sills
Small mirrors - the rear view on the windshield is big but actually blocks forward view a bit.
Lack of TQ

Heres what I liked about the Legacy GT:
AWD (and a system that is NOT FWD biased for a change)
Gobs of TQ and HP
Sleeper
Many luxo items
Gear box felt smooth
Guages are great looking
Sunroof
BC of turbo it has great cheap ways to get lots more power

Heres what I dislike about hte Legacy GT:
Sedan (not sure if Im ready to give up the coupe life)
No steering wheel radio controls
Some plastics feel cheap
Rear end DOES remind me a bit of a camry
only 5mt no 6mt
Stock all season tires are miserable
With stock US suspension the suspension leaves a bit to be desired

As background I am from Chicago and I am finishing up school in May in Boulder CO. I plan to stay here a few years before going back to Chicago - so either way winters are a factor. I dont mind buying new snow tires at all. In fact on anything besides a truck I prefer it. Before I stupidly boght my Zr2 Blazer I owned 2 mk3 supra Ts (blew em sky high too!) and eclipse GSX (modded the hell out of the suspension), a 97 Cobra convertible - a blast when I was still going to school at Purdue - but miserable even with snow tires on it in the winter... Really should have kept the Cobra but stupid me thought Id NEED an SUV in CO... oops...

At any rate Im really lookin for opinions here! Anyone driven both?

Thanks!
Jeff

 

A previous 8 owner got a legacy GT but I don't know who it was???

In the SNOW (***WITH SNOW TIRES***) I hear the 8 does pretty good but as you know AWD always does better....per my understanding.

The RX8 kills it in looks but the Legacy GT is a pretty good looking car. I actually at the last sec thought about it too...but my dream car (other than the Dodge Viper) was the RX-7 and when they made the RX-8...well, enough said.

Either way you are going to have a fine car but I think the AWD for CO would be best.

A question, I heard you can get it with a F-6 making the same HP...why not go with that one instead of the F-4?

 

the H6 (flat 6) does not come in the Legacy in the US - it comes in the outback in the US but only with the auto tranny - ew. I personally like turbos just a personal thing anyway Always loved my DSM - even tho I knew its limitations...

Jeff

 

Even though the Legacy is slightly faster, it is a sedan and more of a family car than the 8 which is a sports car. I like the Legacy GT a lot but I don't have a family and the styling is quite boring. I still don't know what I'm looking at when I see them on the road- this may add to your pro of it being a sleeper though. If you don't need the extra room, then get the 8. Fun factor and road feel are amazing. There is even one member with both cars... Do a search, good luck!

 

Yep Ive been talkin to the one member - who is also on the legacy forums (If its the same member).... I dont have a family - hell Im not even married I wish there was still a true AWD coupe out there that didnt cost an arm and a leg and had the performance to boot

Jeff

 

Hmmm, I beg to differ...they ran test and it got 14.8's in the 1/4...maybe that number is a little high or low, but the 8 should be a little faster than the Legacy.

About the H6....are you SURE...GOSH, I thought I saw it in a mag some place...that it was comming to the US market???? Maybe I'm wrong?

 

Youre thinking of the Spec B which we dont get here - yet... Its all possible at some point. Mags have underestimated the LGT. Some guys have gotten 13.9 off a broken in stock car. Most are around 14.1 or 2. 0-60 is around 5.5. It really is a sleeper...

Jeff

 

Apart from the styling, where the RX-8 is a clear winner, I'd suggest the Legacy GT for someone in Boulder. Nearly bought the GT Limited version of the wagon a few months ago. (Purchased a Saab instead), and I was VERY impressed. Was able to drive the Legacy on an extended unaccompanied test drive and was not gentle with it. (The dealership had pissed me off; I took it out on the car.) The engine is fantastic (though not nearly as smooth as the RX-8.) The torque is addictive. The AWD is the best in the business, imo.

I seriously considered the GT before purchasing the RX-8. However, I didn't need a snow car. (Had one.) And the styling of the sedan didn't attract me. (Frankly, I think the wagon is far better looking.)

In any event, whichever car you choose will be a good choice. But given the snow factor, I'd go with the Subaru.

P.S. Don't worry about the lack of a 6 spd transmission in the Legacy. It does NOT need it.

 

Really great responses guys keep em coming Im sittin bored at work so Im here to quickly respond lol.

Jeff

 

hahaha... that would be an auto. Legacy turbos easily do low 14s with some reaching high-13s with good drivers.
If I'm in Colorado where elevation will affect N/A cars big time, i'd get the GT. the rx-8 will run out of puff climbing hills and it sure won't be fun when you get passed by those pesky Outbacks turbos driven by grandpas. :D
And when it comes to mods.... you know how it is.
However for a single person, i can understand why u'd prefer something more sporty looking.
How about an Audi TT? It has AWD, 2dr and turbo. Or a 350Z. Or a G35C.

 

I would go with the legacy. I plan on going back to Subaru's in 2-3 years. Love'em

 

Hmmmm....

 

I honestly dont like the TT - just a bit cramped for me lol and Im only 5'4.... TT is a great car in theory but only the 3.2 makes any serious power and thats only available with DSG and a fat sticker price. Not my cup of tea. Also I would like to be able to put passengers that are taller than toddlers in the back seat Im gettin into the real estate industry so a rear seat may be needed...

Thanks
Jeff

 

I think that answers your question. Convincing your clients to view properties while being transported about in your RX-8 would not, imo, be a good career move.

 

Haha - Im not gettin into the sales side - with any luck. Im going into the development side. However, I refuse to own a truck EVER again.... Well at least until I can have it as a secondary car... I hate trucks1@#!@#$

Jeff

 

The TT is IMO, the quintessential chicks car or gay mans car, all show, horrid horrid horrid go.

 

My father owns a realestate company, it's pretty rare nowadays for the realtor to drive around their clients but it does happen. Usually in real estate you're going to be putting a lot of miles on your car as well, so given those factors and considering the gas mileage on the average RX-8 I wouldn't look any further than the Legacy GT.

 

Im very surprised with all the replies actually - usually a forums only recommends its own kind Ive thought about the Mazda Speed 6 but its goingto be FWD biased and weight like 200-300 more than the Legacy if I recall correctly...
Any one have any other suggestions for cars? I mean Im always open to suggestion

Jeff

 

How bout a slightly used 2003 white WRX with an STi spoiler?

 

G35 sedans are nice, awd optional too.

 

G35 Sedan with AWD = auto only. Ill never own an auto car again!! Thats my least favorite part on my truck... Slush box

Jeff

 

hmm, i didnt know that.

 

I was struck by the same thing. Overwhelming enthusiasm for the Subaru. Unfortunately, I don't think the Mazda6 holds a candle to the Legacy. As far as other cars are concerned, you might consider the Acura TSX. FWD, but very well engineered and handles well. Great engine and classy interior.

 

Yea I just cant get past FWD cars. My first few cars when I was 16 were VW (A modded scirocco 16v actually) Loved the car hated the tq steer. Its a strange pet peeve of mine.

Jeff

 

from the pix posted, the GT looks decidedly more upscale and classy while the RX-8 is sporty and edgy. What are you SgtPeper?
is that NAV also a digital boost gauge? fack me!!!!!