2007 subaru 2.5gt spec B > WRX or STi?

[z1ggy]

I am interesting in upgrading to a WRX or STi , but I know insurance will probably kill me, do to the "boy racer" thing with those cars. Will the Legacy 2.5GT Spec B provide a good alternative to those two choices?

 

[Arkaign]

Yes. It's not quite as small, but it's a good car. Most of the Cobb power upgrades and similar will also work on the Legacy GT, but IIRC the suspension/handling components are a bit different. That's fine though, stock suspension is great, the only thing you might do is some better sways.

Cobb : sometimes pricey, but good stuff

http://www.rallysportdirect.com/sta...-kit-with-rear-reinforcement-brkt-p-2474.html

 

[z1ggy]

Yes. It's not quite as small, but it's a good car. Most of the Cobb power upgrades and similar will also work on the Legacy GT, but IIRC the suspension/handling components are a bit different. That's fine though, stock suspension is great, the only thing you might do is some better sways.

Cobb : sometimes pricey, but good stuff

http://www.rallysportdirect.com/sta...-kit-with-rear-reinforcement-brkt-p-2474.html

Yeah that is what I was thinking. What about insurance though? Would it go up, down or stay about the same? I am male and under 25, no accidents, no traffic violations.

 

[Demo24]

I'd rather have a spec. b in hindsight. It's a comfortable car that's of better inside quality than the Imprezas. Besides you get a 6spd and while you won't get the Brembos of the STI, many say just getting some aggressive pads on the stock calipers will make them just as good(if not the same).

Insurance varies a lot, but I'd expect it to be less.

 

[z1ggy]

I'd rather have a spec. b in hindsight. It's a comfortable car that's of better inside quality than the Imprezas. Besides you get a 6spd and while you won't get the Brembos of the STI, many say just getting some aggressive pads on the stock calipers will make them just as good(if not the same).

Insurance varies a lot, but I'd expect it to be less.

Yeah I really like the bigger interior and quality. Now that I am growing older, I kind of am getting tired of the flashy Sti and I think the Spec. B kind of offers what the Sti has, but in a more humble form.

What type of upgrades would you do first, if any? ( besides what was mentioned above)

 

[Demo24]

a) Tires, depending on whats one it
b) Brake pads
c) Upgrade suspension, springs, sways, etc
d) Exhaust / engine management ( best not to replace the downpipe and back without EM, like a cobb access port)


That's just my preference. I like the ability to handle before adding on the power.

 

[thirdeye]

I considered doing a spec B when I got rid of my 05 STi. I ended up with an 09 STI instead. I like the spec B a lot, I just prefer the feel of the STI more. Plus having the hatch was a huge bonus.

 

[StageLeft]

What about insurance though?

Call your insurance company.

Spending time wondering about this when a five minute call can green or red light it is silly.

 

[Saga]

I often wonder if Subaru realized just how badly they were shooting themselves in the foot with the WRX STi vs. Legacy GT and that was a reason the WRX is now a slick looking new body hatch while the Legacy platform remains pretty much unchanged (and very identical to the old WRX).

Pay a premium for boy racer new body, or buy a more comfortable adult daily driver and upgrade to your hearts content; like my Legacy to oversized Turbo'd Legacy GT sleeper swap! People laugh that I run around in a very stock looking Legacy, even using the stock exhaust tips for posterity. They usually stop laughing once they hear the engine non-idle, though. Or realize just how fast they became a rear view mirror decoration after a little bit of acceleration.

All in all I still prefer the good old TA or the wifes G8 GXP for most around town cruising. Just that nothing quite beats the priceless look on a Corvette owners face in the rear view when they get to stare at the tail end of a non GT badged Legacy pulling away in front of them.

 

[amdhunter]

I am interesting in upgrading to a WRX or STi , but I know insurance will probably kill me, do to the "boy racer" thing with those cars. Will the Legacy 2.5GT Spec B provide a good alternative to those two choices?

STi. Don't think about it.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Insurance is a killer on any WRX or STi. When I was shopping for a new car in 2006, I priced insurance on the WRX, Legacy GT and *shudder* Accord. Here were the figures for a 22yo, but just take away the differences in cost:

2006 WRX: $778/6 months
2006 Accord: $570/6 months
2006 Legacy GT: $565/6 months

And FWIW, the 2006 GTO I ended up buying was a bit cheaper than all of them

The LGT is a pretty good car. The suspension is definitely stiffer than your average Caddy or Buick, but it is far looser than an STi. I test drove an 08 WRX and the WRX was definitely tighter, but not a huge amount.

I'm 6' 4" 250lb and if the car were any smaller on the inside, it wouldn't work. As it is, the car is not comfortable for long road trips. My 5-foot tall fiancee doesn't like the seats for long trips either.

Rear passenger room is limited, you probably won't want anyone over 5-foot in there. That said, overall it is roomier than an Impreza and IMO nicer looking inside. The trunk is a good size; not huge, but plenty usable.

The 2007's are definitely the best year to get. Every model has an MP3 radio and split-folding rear seats. Top safety ratings across the board since the 2006 model as well.

The Spec.B is a great trim level, but the GT is a better value. The Bilstein struts by themselves don't do a lot for the handling, the car DOES need stiffer springs and sway bars. I rode in a Spec.B with STi Pink springs and CObb sways, it drove like it was on rails, even with the stock 18-inch Bridgestone tires. The value of the 6-speed is a personal choice. You'll do more shifting in the city, which I already do a lot of with the 5-speed, but it will pull out of a higher gear better (the 5-speed leaves some dead spots in power, IMO) and if you ever intend on hitting a (curvy) track, you'll appreciate the shorter gears to get you out of the corners.

You should test drive a used STi to see if it's what you want. The LGT is a very loose feeling car out of the box. Lots of pitch and roll, drivetrain slack, etc; as you would expect in a "family" sedan. My understanding is that the STi is a lot tighter, more visceral, but you pay the price in ride quality.

FWIW, the LGT with springs & sways I rode in had stock ride quality while feeling very controlled. I'll be putting that exact suspension combo on my car.

As for power, the LGT with a full exhaust and computer tune will be close to a stock STi, but loses a bit of power on the top end. The mid-range torque is rather good, first gear is ridiculous with exhaust+tune. If you're into such things, you can take the turbo off the 2009 WRX and put it on with an intercooler & injectors for a very effective upgrade. Properly tuned, I think people are making about 300WHP/330WTQ. Again, if I keep the car that long I will be going that route.

Happy to answer any other questions