I have gotten into a discussion with some people, and they think the Legacy is a better bang for your buck than the G35. I know this has been dug around a bunch of times, but to me, the HID's, Navi Option, Resale Value factor is, but they are all performance oriented first. Am I in the wrong?

2004 G35s 5AT DG/Graphite/Premium/Huper Optik Tint

I been hearing a lot about the new Legacy and it does sound like an interesting car. I own a 2000 Outback which is the previous model/platform and I've been trying to figure out the main differences between the two but I'll keep my comparisons to the new Legacy and the G35.

Engine: Subaru now offers the 2.5L turbo derived from the WRX STi. It's strong, 250hp and 250lb torque. But power delivery is not as linear as our V-6. It might be more fun when that boost kicks in! The Subaru 3.0 flat six doesn't sound as reponsive as the Gs.

Body Structure: This is unclear. The Legacy's wheelbase is shorter by about 7 inches. My guess is that would make the car ride a little more choppy. The Legacy doesn't have the front-midship weight distribution that our Gs have so it will probably push in the corners a bit more. But the flat engine design does lower the car's center of gravity and that's got to help it's handling.

Suspension: Hard to know which is better. The G has lightweight aluminum components and I don't see that on the Legacy. But the Legacy has been known for having a good ride. I like my Outback's ride a lot. It doesn't "drive like it's on rails", like the G, but it absorbs bumps a lot better. Very European sedan like.

Brakes: Subaru is making a big point about the improvements they are making in reduced free play in the pedal and a firmer feel. They should be. This is a sore point with a lot of Legacy owners. I replaced the brake lines on the Outback with stainless steel lines just to get a firmer feel. Our Gs have some of the best stock brakes available.

Creature comforts: Would probably have to give the nod to the Subaru. Yeah, it doesn't have a Navi Optio, but just about everything else would be better materials, better design, and probably more comfortable.

Fun to drive factor: Nothing in this price range is going to beat our Gs. Nothing. Rest secure in that. WRX STi is the closest and its just not in the same size catagory so I don't consider it a competitor. The Legacy still utilizes a front-biased 4wd system as far as I can tell. No power-on steering from the rear. It might have some winter driving advantages but that's about it.

Aftermarket mods: ? Who knows. My guess is the G will get the majority of driving enthusiasts and that's what drives aftermarket sales. Legacy owners (a least in this country) have always been considered a little "quirky" and not exactly the type to perform suspension upgrades or extensive engine mods. The Impreza line is a totally different story and they might get some interest from former Impreza owners that will drive aftermarket parts availability.

Resale Value: I think the G will have better resale value.

Build Quality: The same for both cars.

Looks: I kind of like the look of the new Legacy. I like the hood scoop. The 2005 Legacy 2.5 GT Ltd. Sedan has twin exhaust pipes (on either side of the bumper) and low profile tires (215/45 ZR17). It's a good looking sedan.

0-60: I haven't seen published numbers but I wouldn't be surprised if the Legacy was as fast or a little faster. But, the difference would be slight and I wouldn't base a purchase decision on that factor alone.

Price: The same, maybe a little less. Subaru has never sold a lot of cars in the mid-30 range. They've got an uphill battle and the competition for this market segment is fierce. They'll be aggressive with pricing and financing deals.

Your friends are right. The Legacy is an interesting car. Even a serious enthusiast's car. But it's not a G killer the way the G was to the BMW 3 series.



04 G35X

wow.. excellent response. I don't regret having my G for a minute.. even though I did give up an SR20


2004 G35s 5AT DG/Graphite/Premium/Huper Optik Tint

0-60 in 5.5
I think its published in the Legacy website.

Too bad you didn't chime in on the 'other' Subaru Legacy vs. G35 thread started by Aqcats (he's not a G35 driver; trying to decide on a new car). We all went around and around and things got a bit nasty for a while.



2004.5 G35-S 5AT Black/Willow - Prem, R. Spoiler, Navi, Infiniti Sport Wheels, Alum Pedals, Dark Tint, Z Tube, K&N Filter

Cale,

Wish you had jumped on the post that I started the other day about the G35 vs. GT. Great feedback on your experiences. That is EXACTLY what I was looking for. (unfortunately there was too much "bs" and not enough real discussion). I am taking both of these out next week, preferably without the salesman in tow, so I can discover the higher performance nuances of both and make my decision.

Thanks

Well I did say,"... as far as I can tell." I looked it up on Subaru's web site and I stand corrected. It is either 50/50 (5-speed) or 45/55 (auto) split. Although the exact range of potential split is a bit vague. Infiniti comes right out and tells you their AWD system is 100% rear wheel drive when driving permits (except initial acceleration). I like that kind of straightforward info. Subaru is not telling. Maybe you get the full benefits of RWD+AWD maybe you don't. While I drive a G35X, I was thinking of you 6mt guys and how you prefer to row it from the rear - so to speak. I'll stick with my fun factor bet on the G.

Hard to tell much about suspension improvements. The latest issue of "Drive" (Subaru's owners magazine) is devoted to the Legacy/Outback introduction. It states that the suspension includes redesigned subframes to be stronger, front and rear tracks have been increased and "suspension specifications and components were fine-tuned even further to improve cornering." It sounds like they made improvements but not the kind of radical engineering that went into the G's FM platform. But, I've said I like the Subaru set-up so it's probably a good system.

I can't say I'm with you on the aftermarket projections. A mod chip for the turbo is likely but after looking into mods for the current Legacy/Outback models I came up with a wide assortment of ski racks, cargo boxes, and dog barriers. The JDM enthusiasm for Legacys never really translated to the US market. (No turbo = No-fun Legacys.) But times may change.

The biggest things going for G owners, aftermarket wise, are the shared platform/engine between 350Z/G35/FX models and that Nissan sells more cars than Subaru in the US (5.4% total market share to Subaru's .9% according to a June 3, 2004 article on Bloomberg's web site). That means more owners that will create demand for aftermarket parts.

I like the Subaru and I think the new Legacy is bold in many ways. I just think that finding buyers for it outside Subaru's core Legacy buyer group is going to be a tough sell. I don't think many BMW drivers (the Ultimate Driving Machine) are going to start driving Subarus.

As far as bang for the buck. I'm in the G camp. I like my G35x and I wanted the auto tranny. I know it's not the enthusiast's first choice for shifting but I drive 95% of the time in traffic and the auto makes life simple. The engine is just fantastic. I wouldn't give it up for a turbo and the additional maintenance concerns that come with a high pressure system like the STi's. The ride is also better since I replaced the OEM Goodyears with Michelin Pilot Sport A/Ss.

04 G35X

This is a much more civilized thread--maybe the old one should be deleted and this one should take its place...

I don't want to get involved. I've read the other posts and from what I can tell everyone loves their car. Regardless of brand. That's nice. So nice, it makes for some really strong opinions. I love Subaru. I love Infiniti. I'm in balance. Harmonically, if you will. Let's go out and buy Legacys and G35s and spread the love. Peace.

04 G35X

As ridiculous as it sounds, ther's one feature of the G that Legacy lacks, at least from looking at the pics. Steering based audio controls. I've never thought that such a small thing will make so much difference, but now that I'm used to mine, I can't imagine life without those.

***04 G35s 5AT/Sport***
***04 Volvo XC90 T6***

"As ridiculous as it sounds, ther's one feature of the G that Legacy lacks, at least from looking at the pics. Steering based audio controls. I've never thought that such a small thing will make so much difference, but now that I'm used to mine, I can't imagine life without those."

The GT Limited has the steering wheel audio controls, as well as some other controls--maybe shift buttons for the auto transmission? Didn't pay that much attention since I wanted the GT in MT. But I know the Limited AT had those. I got my GT for $25k, the Limited package added just shy of $2000 I think and gave you power moonroof, leather, 8 way power seats, steering wheel controls, etc.

On another note--I know it seems to keep coming up on various threads that someone says subaru's are variable awd with a fwd bias. I'm not sure where that got started unless there was some confusion with some other brand but Subaru's use a constant 50/50 split for MT and 45/55 split for AT cars. The STi has a dynamic center dif which can be set by the driver to be biased if they so desire based on conditions, but there is no system that is fwd and only transfers power when slippage occurs such as volvo or honda, etc use.

RWD 100% of the time when appropriate on g35X - trult no different other than for wieght than the original G35

2003.5 DP 5AT Sedan (E-thing but Nav)
14.2 @ 97.18
Z-Tube
K&N Drop In & Airbox Mod
10 Wire Hyper-Ground
Crawford Plenum (V4)
UR Crank Pulley
Polk EX-3500 Tweeters/Shock Sensor/H-Liner

I would suggest going out and driving both. I did before I got the G and I came from a modded WRX that I was very happy with. The price (Subbie=MSRP $28,495 vs. G=MSRP $30,050) and weight difference (Subbie=3365 lbs vs. G=3398) beween the GT limited Sedan and 6MT Leather G35 are pretty close. Can't wait to see the auto mag comparos just to see objective and non-bias data injected into the argument. Either car is a good choice. The one I chose was based on what I thought the better driver's car was. Also thought it would be easier getting the G up to a more linear 300cHP after experience with the WRX which doesn't exactly have the most mod friendly 5 speed gearbox in the world.

'04 6MT Sport Sedan

UR crank pulley
Helix test pipes
G35C midpipe
Z intake tube
Nismo Sport "dry" air filter
Nismo grounding kit
RS*R Z33 springs
Hawk HPS brake pads
Motul 600 RBF