Legacy GT Ltd vs. Mazda Speed 6 vs. WRX

[BlackObsidianX]

Getting tired of the many little problems with our 2000 Audi S4, so looking for a replacement.

I'm starting to lose confidence in european cars now, so what we're looking for in the replacement are:

- preferbly japanese
- awd
- 4 door sedan
- decent hp (close to what the s4 had)

The three vehicles i named in the title are the few that i can think of. I'm gonna need some opinion from u guys on the pros and cons for these cars, or maybe gimme some idea of other choices that i've missed. Thanks.

(The other car that we have is a 2004 G35x, i felt it might be weird to have 2 identical cars in the garage, thats why it was not on the list )

[humanRESEARCH]

Performance
Mazdaspeed6 274HP, 280Lb-Ft (2.3L turbocharged DOHC Inline-4)
Subaru Legacy GT Limited 250-hp, 250Lb-Ft (2.5L DOHC intercooled, turbocharged 16-valve 4-cylinder horizontally opposed Subaru Boxer engine with Active Valve Contol System)
Subaru WRX 227HP, 217Lb-Ft (2.0L DOHC intercooled, turbocharged 16-valve 4-cylinder horizontally opposed Subaru Boxer engine)

Drivetrain
Mazdaspeed6 6-Speed manual OD (Active torque-split AWD, rear LSD)
Subaru Legacy GT Limited 5-speed manual (Std) or 5-speed automatic manual control (AWD, viscous-type LSD)
Subaru WRX 5-speed manual (Std) or 4-speed electronically controlled automatic with Economy and Power modes (AWD, 5-speed manual transmissions utilize a viscous-type locking center differential with torque distribution configured at a 50/50-split front-to-rear, 4-speed automatic transimissions utilize an electronically controlled variable transfer clutch in conjunction with a planetary-type center differential and the rear wheel-biased torque distribution is normally configured at 45/55-split front-to-rear, both models utilize viscous-type LSD)

Random Standard Features
Mazdaspeed6 18" 15-Spoke alloy wheels, summer radials, HID
Subaru Legacy GT Limited 17" 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, all-season tires, projector beam
Subaru WRX 16" 10-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels,multi-reflector halogen

Interior
Mazdaspeed6 Cloth-trimmed seats (Sport model) or leather trim (GT model), Bose 7-speaker 200W system with 6-disc in-dash changer, Sirius compatible, tilt and telescope steering with audio controls
Subaru Legacy GT Limited Perforated leather-trimmed seats, tilt MOMO steering wheel, 6-speaker audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD player
Subaru WRX Performance-designd cloth seats, tilt MOMO steering wheel, 6-speaker premium audio system with 6-disc in-dash CD player

MSRP
Mazdaspeed6 $27,995 (Sport), $29,925 (Grand Touring)
Subaru Legacy GT Limited $30,370
Subaru WRX $27,970 (with $1,500 Premium Package)

I did a little research for you, which you've probably already done. I figured having some specs in a list form may make it easier for comparisons. As you are coming out of an S4, and speaking from an aesthetic and creature comfort level, I would take the WRX out of the picture. That leaves the Legacy GT Limited and Mazdaspeed6. For me, I like the looks, performance, and overall package and potential of the Speed6 more than I like the Legacy. Both are nice rides, but I simply favor the Mazdaspeed6. I think it would look better in the garage next to the G, and I think it would be more fun, but these are just opinions.

I didn't think to include any other vehicles in this little comparison, and I could probably have posted a more thorough review, but I hope this helps. I hope there are some more members with more insight that can help you out, too.

[BlackObsidianX]

wow...thats a very detailed research you've done. This definately made it easier to compare the specs. thanks!

I'm also leaning towards the mazda speed 6 as well. in terms of both performance and price, its a pretty good deal. However, i'm not very clear on the awd system it has. it seems to have a similar concept as the awd on the G35x, but its front wheel based instead of rear wheel based? correct me if i'm wrong.

I look forward to the valuable opinions and insights from other members. thanks again, SnMDesignStudio

[humanRESEARCH]

I decided to post some pics for side-by-side aesthetic comparison.

Order: Legacy GT Limited, SPEED6, WRX

[humanRESEARCH]

And a few more...

Order: SPEED6, Legacy GT Limited, WRX

[humanRESEARCH]

This definately made it easier to compare the specs. thanks!

You're welcome.

[ChicagoX]

Damn! And here I was, expecting the old "search is your friend" line......

[PeteNJ]

The Legacy is an amazing car and I was very close to buying it instead of the G35c. It would have saved me a HUGE chunk of change as I could get a Limited for $200 under invoice (somewhere around 25-26k). I just could not get over the sub-par brakes (People consistently blame the crappy OEM tires but I think the brake system itself needs refinement as well). The handling is very floaty on corners and steering feel is rather light.

The AWD would be amazing during the winter (The 4-5 times we get a big storm here in NJ ) but in the end it just didn't get me going like the G. I will reserve comments on the MS6 since I have never driven one but I definintely think it looks nice. The WRX is a step down from the Legacy as it is basically a rocket econobox. Brakes are not much better than the Leg and turbo lag is a little more noticeable. Just my 0.02

[Garnet Canuck]

I think the new Mazdaspeed6 is a great looking car! Just looking at the stats that SnMDesignStudio was kind enough to post, I myself would probably lean toward the Mazda.....even though I am a big fan of Subies. I wonder how the Mazdaspeed6's AWD system is gonna stack up against Subaru's?

[Ippo]

Originally Posted by canuck

I think the new Mazdaspeed6 is a great looking car! Just looking at the stats that SnMDesignStudio was kind enough to post, I myself would probably lean toward the Mazda.....even though I am a big fan of Subies. I wonder how the Mazdaspeed6's AWD system is gonna stack up against Subaru's?

It doesn't.

It uses a Haldex type AWD system it is Fwd unless you need the power and rated slower then the Legacy. The legacy uses Continuous AWD: Models equipped with 5-speed manual transmission utilize a viscous-type locking differential with torque distribution configured at a 50/50-split front-to-rear. 2.5 GT models also feature a viscous-type limited-slip rear differential.
Variable Torque Distribution (VDT) AWD: Models equipped with 5-speed automatic transmission utilize an electronically controlled variable transfer clutch in conjunction with a planetary-type center differential. Rear-wheel-biased torque distribution normally configured at 45/55-split front-to-rear. 2.5 GT models also feature a viscous-type limited-slip rear differential.

http://www.subaru.com/shop/specifica...ry=PERFORMANCE. Starting at $26,095 for the LEGACY 2.5 GT SEDAN & Limited Package Optional $2,500
Power tilt/sliding glass moonroof on sedan model and Panoramic tilt/sliding dual-panel moonroof on wagon model
8-way power driver's seat and 4-way power front passenger seat, both with manually adjustable lumbar support
Perforated leather-trimmed upholstery
Titanium metallic trim with woodgrain-patterned accents on doors, console, and automatic shifter handle with Taupe perforated leather upholstery.

http://www.subaru.com/shop/specifica...DAN&category=*

Car & Driver article on the Mazdaspeed 6 http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=1.

The legacy has gone from 0-60 in manual from 5.5-5.8 and 13.7-14.2 in the ¼ mile.

You can expect the manumatic version of it to be a little slower then the AT G35. Probably not by much but still a little slower. Now if you are into modifying it & want a manumatic it does not matter. There are some great kits out there. Some of the best are plug & play stuff from Cobb, which work for both manual & manumatic. http://cobbtuning.com/legacy/.

Check out this place as well http://www.legacygt.com/.

[madchef]

I've sat in the Legacy GT limited at an auto show, and I have to say, it's a very nice car.
Very far removed from the crappy interiors that the WRX's suffer from.

The Mazda6 can look cool at times, but I've driven in (non-mazda speed) 6 and I wasn't impressed. My vote goes for the Legacy GT lim.

[madchef]

ps Correct me if I'm wrong, but I am almost positive that there is an STI version of the Subaru Legacy GT coming out...now that would be an awesome ride!

[Ippo]

Originally Posted by madchef

ps Correct me if I'm wrong, but I am almost positive that there is an STI version of the Subaru Legacy GT coming out...now that would be an awesome ride!

It is still a rumor as far as I understand. They have had STI & Blitzen versions of the previous legacy’s overseas, which used the 2.0-turbo engines, but not for the newest one, which boast the USDM WRX STI engine over here.

[InTgr8r]

JMHO
But I would favor Subie reliability & resale value.

It may just be my experience, but know 2 friends that would never
go back to Mazda....
However, the newer cars may be a different story.

[BlackObsidianX]

Originally Posted by Ippo

It uses a Haldx type AWD system it is Fwd unless you need the power and rated slower then the Legacy. The legacy uses Continuous AWD: Models equipped with 5-speed manual transmission utilize a viscous-type locking differential with torque distribution configured at a 50/50-split front-to-rear.

Thanks Ippo, thats the info i was looking for on the awd system of the mazda speed 6.

so r these pretty much the only japanese awd 4 door sedans out there? any other cars that i've overlooked?