Subaru Legacy Twin Turbo...
Discussion
Love mine (2002 GTB), can't think of anything that could replace it and do the same jobs as well as it does (except a newer version 
)
I've had it for 3 years / 40,000km and the only thing to go wrong was a MAP sensor which I replaced with a second hand one for $40. Fuel-wise mine will happily do 32mpg on a run, and I usually average around 26-27 in mixed use. Thats on 98RON fuel, its about 10% worse on 95.
Manuals are 280bhp, autos 260. Not quite as light/nimble as an Impreza, but at <1500kg I think the weight is pretty respectable for the size etc. Incredibly capable all-rounders, much nicer and more refined than an Impreza inside while still being fun to hustle along interesting roads. Suspension(Bilstein) is about the best balance I've encountered between body control and bump absorption. The only thing I don't like is the steering, which is precise but a bit light and low-geared.
The power delivery is quite different to single-turbo Subarus, very wide/smooth/linear powerband from <2000-7500rpm (official figures say >80% of peak torque available from 2000-6500). Older versions (especially tired examples) can have an annoying flat spot around 4000rpm as the sequential turbo system changes to parallel mode, but its not an issue at all with mine. They're not as easy to chase big power as a single turbo, folk doing that usually drop an STi motor in - my mechanic has one with a 650bhp forged 2.5 in it!
)I've had it for 3 years / 40,000km and the only thing to go wrong was a MAP sensor which I replaced with a second hand one for $40. Fuel-wise mine will happily do 32mpg on a run, and I usually average around 26-27 in mixed use. Thats on 98RON fuel, its about 10% worse on 95.
Manuals are 280bhp, autos 260. Not quite as light/nimble as an Impreza, but at <1500kg I think the weight is pretty respectable for the size etc. Incredibly capable all-rounders, much nicer and more refined than an Impreza inside while still being fun to hustle along interesting roads. Suspension(Bilstein) is about the best balance I've encountered between body control and bump absorption. The only thing I don't like is the steering, which is precise but a bit light and low-geared.
The power delivery is quite different to single-turbo Subarus, very wide/smooth/linear powerband from <2000-7500rpm (official figures say >80% of peak torque available from 2000-6500). Older versions (especially tired examples) can have an annoying flat spot around 4000rpm as the sequential turbo system changes to parallel mode, but its not an issue at all with mine. They're not as easy to chase big power as a single turbo, folk doing that usually drop an STi motor in - my mechanic has one with a 650bhp forged 2.5 in it!
Glad to be of service! Its not a bad review really. From my user name its obvious that my interest lay more with Imprezas, but I imported several Legacy TTs and my experience was similar to other owners'.
You can regualarly struggle to see 20mpg in any turbochraged Subaru depending on how you drive so dont let that put you off. The 'valley of death' is more of an issue for some people than others...
You can regualarly struggle to see 20mpg in any turbochraged Subaru depending on how you drive so dont let that put you off. The 'valley of death' is more of an issue for some people than others...
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff