Subaru Legacy GT vs. Acura TL

[Xyclone]

In the used car market, would you pick the 4th Gen Legacy GT (2005-2009), or the 3rd gen Acura TL (2004-2007)?

Subaru Legacy GT

Pros:
-Turbocharged (fun)
-AWD
-Lots of hp/torque
-Better Weight Distribution/Tighter Steering (more fun to drive)

Cons:
-Interior quality not as nice as Acura
-Questionable reliability at the 150,000+ mile mark?


Acura TL

Pros:
-Fantastic exterior styling
-Lots of hp/torque
-Impeccable interior quality
-"Luxury" car reputation

Cons:
-FWD - torque steer
-Floaty suspension/Loose Steering (not as fun to drive)
-Problem with doors swinging back at you
-Lots of squeaks and rattles in interior?

 

[manimal]

If you want a drivers car get the Subaru. If you want comfort get the TL. Whats your inner child say?

 

[NutBucket]

Subaru was never known for rattle-free interiors. The stock suspension on the LGT leaves something to be desired as well...

<-- Previously owned an '05 GT.

 

[Xyclone]

Subaru was never known for rattle-free interiors. The stock suspension on the LGT leaves something to be desired as well...

<-- Previously owned an '05 GT.

Stock suspension is... floaty? It has to be better (more stiff) than the TL's suspension, though.

Well, let me ask: for handling/comfort ratio, does the Legacy give a more balanced ratio? Comfort is important to me, so I don't want it too stiff, but so is handling. An ideal compromise is a comfortable car that is fun to drive.

 

[ballmode]

Tough decisions.

Could you have best of both worlds at get the G37X?

If I had to get an entry level luxury car I'd get the IS350

 

[NutBucket]

Never been in a TL so I really can't say. The stock handling of the LGT isn't bad...just wasn't stiff enough for my taste.

 

[CraigRT]

Of the 2 I would probably go LGT because I have always liked them.
The TL is a nice car too though.

 

[fbrdphreak]

The stock LGT, even the Spec.B model with Bilsteins, has a lot of chassis roll. The bump absorption is pretty good, but I would say the stock suspension does not come across as overly sporty. Certainly better than a cushy car like a Caddy or Buick, but nothing compared to an STi or Evo.

If I were keeping my LGT, Bilsteins and a set of mild springs are a must. Sway bars helped a lot with the roll, but there is still a lot of pitch.

That said, you need to drive both. IMO the difference in performance between AWD and FWD on the street will not be huge. Traction in bad weather will be much better, but in general you won't [shouldn't] be pushing your car hard enough on the streets that FWD is a liability.

 

[alkemyst]

Most have a love or hate relationship with the exterior styling of the TL.

 

[Jumpem]

This isn't even worth questioning to me. AWD > 2WD.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

Go with a TL. Knowing it is a honda, it will go freaking forever.

 

[A5]

I've always loved the exterior on that gen TL. IMO, that and the NSX are the best-looking cars Honda has ever made.

I'd get the TL, but it's an interesting choice.

 

[RocksteadyDotNet]

This isn't even worth questioning to me. AWD > 2WD.

This.

FWD is for women.

 

[Howard]

Most have a love or hate relationship with the exterior styling of the TL.

I for one love that gen TL's body.

 

[evident]

TL is a great car, especially that generation

 

[thomsbrain]

TL Type-S is a cut above the Legacy in every respect. Compared to the regular TL you get more power, a LSD, 6-speed manual, upgraded shocks/springs/sways/control arms, etc. The Legacy GT is not a sporty car by any means. It rides a little firm but body motions are no better controlled than a base Accord V6 and it's slower (have experience in both and voted with my wallet). The TL just stretches the difference, and the TL Type-S is even farther.

But if you live where it snows, the Legacy's many shortcomings relative to the Accord/TL platform are worth it for the AWD.

 

[NutBucket]

The choice also depends on whether the OP wants to upgrade the car at any point. Stock vs. stock the TL is probably the better all-around car. Start upgrading and there's no comparison; the LGT walks away in every performance category.

 

[Jumpem]

The choice also depends on whether the OP wants to upgrade the car at any point. Stock vs. stock the TL is probably the better all-around car. Start upgrading and there's no comparison; the LGT walks away in every performance category.

Not with only two wheels driving it.

 

[nismotigerwvu]

Having owned my LGT for 2 years now and dated a girl with a TL for a little while I think I can give a little insight here. The Legacy is more fun to drive (Faster, sharper, engaging), far more composed in poor weather, much cheaper to maintain (parts and service, for example, a timing belt job on an LGT at a dealership is around $500, a comparable service on the TL would be double that)and comparable on gas mileage and reliability from my (limited) experience. From an enthusiast standpoint it's a no brainer. Also, the interior of the LGT may not be Bently grade, but it is hardly lacking.

 

[alfa147x]

Having owned my LGT for 2 years now and dated a girl with a TL for a little while I think I can give a little insight here. The Legacy is more fun to drive (Faster, sharper, engaging), far more composed in poor weather, much cheaper to maintain (parts and service, for example, a timing belt job on an LGT at a dealership is around $500, a comparable service on the TL would be double that)and comparable on gas mileage and reliability from my (limited) experience. From an enthusiast standpoint it's a no brainer. Also, the interior of the LGT may not be Bently grade, but it is hardly lacking.

Just checked. A timing belt job for a TL at a reputable dealer (Jackson Acura) is about $500 - $600.

with timing and drive belts, water pump, and coolant flush.


Check your facts.

 

[Xyclone]

It looks like I am settling on the Subaru Legacy GT.

Reasons are:
-The Subaru is ultimately cheaper (main reason), I can find one I like for ~10k. The Acura, with 30-45% more miles, is 13.5k.
-I test drove the LGT. Oh wow, turbo, torque, all wheel drive, minimal body roll, I like!
-TL doesn't have a sporty driving feel to it.
-The Subaru's interior was wayyyy nicer than I'd initially expected. Soft leather seats, nice quality interior, etc.
-TL leans a bit too much to driving like a luxury car, while the Subaru is more sport-luxury in terms of suspension.
-AWD > FWD, even in good weather conditions, if you are driving in a spirited manner. Taking a turn with no under steer was exciting.

Ultimately, the Subaru is a more fun (but still comfortable), and more affordable, option.

 

[alkemyst]

Not with only two wheels driving it.

Most people have paved and de-iced roads. If you have to deal with gravel and ice, then AWD drops it like VTEC.

 

[Jumpem]

Most people have paved and de-iced roads. If you have to deal with gravel and ice, then AWD drops it like VTEC.

That's why I would say a Subaru is the best all around car. A good portion of the country deals with ice and snow.

 

[alkemyst]

That's why I would say a Subaru is the best all around car. A good portion of the country deals with ice and snow.

They also have to wake up to milk the cows.

 

[T2urtle]

both cars are on my list if i was to loose my 05 G35x at this current moment and wanted a similar car.

LGT is easily the tuner's car. Its not a very flashy, "doesn't have that balling look" says my gf and others. Big community to either help you fix or easy to find someone who knows EJ25 to work on.

TL's is more if i wanted a car simply to drive in comfort and relax. If i dont buy the TL-S i would be finding TL-S parts and be done with the car. Great HID lighting, i would say this is a little less maintenance heavy.

Can't go wrong with either. My G35x seems to be in the middle of that little war as well. My car is another just drive and relax car. LGT would easily get me in more trouble with speed.