Legacy or Impreza???

[BlueSmoke]

Argh I really can't make up my mind!!!

I thought I wanted a classic Impreza WRX(post 97 280bhp model).... my mind was made up. Then I thought I wanted a Legacy B4 RSK Twin Turbo.... my mind was made up.

Now I'm thinking I want the Impreza again..... Jesus Christ what is wrong with me?!

I need to make up my mind because I'll be selling my car in a few weeks!

I currently commute 45 miles a day, mostly motorway, but I live near the Pennines etc. so great places to go driving. Any advice/views much appreciated in my time of need!

[chilled901]

If by the Impreza you mean the STI, then yes, go for it!

[BlueSmoke]

chilled901 said:

If by the Impreza you mean the STI, then yes, go for it!

I think an STi is probably just a little bit too much for commuting and the occasional long distance drive I like to do here and there.

[chilled901]

The new ones are not that harsh at all. But then again i am not sure how bad the road conditions/ traffic is over there.
My daily commute is 70 miles in my 06 STI and on some days I do wish for a more cushy ride (stuck in traffic doing 10 mph riding the clutch) overall I enjoy my commute much more in the STI than i did in my previous civic. YMMV.

[Mars]

If you want a driver's car and don't need the space, an Impreza seems to make more sense.

If you want a fast car but aren't bothered by the pin-sharp handling, the longer wheelbase Leggy is a great motorway car and, in estate form, is deceptively cavernous.

[BlueSmoke]

My 328i Sport is quite hard on the eibach sportlines, but it's bearable on the commute. Any harsher than that however, would be a bit too much everyday.

[GravelBen]

Pretty much as said above, Legacy a nicer place to spend time where an STi is more focussed, pros and cons both ways. A 3rd gen GTB/RSK is faster than a classic STi (both as standard) once you get above ~70mph, below that the Impreza has the edge due to shorter gearing/less weight. I expect the same difference goes for newer models too.

The power delivery is quite different though, TT Legacies much smoother, wider powerband compared to the mid-range surge of a single turbo Impreza.

Have you driven both?

[Mars]

Hi Ben.

Another Legacy thread for us evangelists.

[BlueSmoke]

GravelBen said:

Pretty much as said above, Legacy a nicer place to spend time where an STi is more focussed, pros and cons both ways. A 3rd gen GTB/RSK is faster than a classic STi (both as standard) once you get above ~70mph, below that the Impreza has the edge due to shorter gearing/less weight. I expect the same difference goes for newer models too.

The power delivery is quite different though, TT Legacies much smoother, wider powerband compared to the mid-range surge of a single turbo Impreza.

Have you driven both?

I haven't driven either! That's the problem I guess lol. But I tend to decide on a car then I go buy it. The first drive is normally once I've travelled 150 miles

I just never see the same model I want locally enough to go and drive it. Just unlucky perhaps!

[belleair302]

I am a huge Legacy fan.....wonderful cars, yes different but like 70's Citroens a great drive. They are as tough as old boots, will drive whatever the weather and cool in a cool way, not a shout out and look at me kind of way!

Buy the Legacy, enjoy the space, the finish and the peace of mind.

[pits]

Given the choice, Legacy all day every day, epic amounts of stealth, and its not an Impreza

[GravelBen]

They are quite stealthy... (any excuse for gratuitous photos!)



And the previous (155bhp NA) wagon:

[anonymous-user]

I'd say a Legacy and by no means am i using this post to show off my car but to tempt you...

Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 18th September 04:54

[Pints]

I test drove 2006 models of each and for an everyday family car I'd have had the Legacy in a heartbeat.
Grip on both was phenomenal.

[kavanagh]

It depends on where you want the power to be with the legacys being twin turbod and the impreza being single. Also how much space you need and insurance costs.As the legacy is cheap as chips to insure and an sti not so much .

[BlueSmoke]

Haven't seen many estate RSK's for sale, so it'll probably end up being a saloon I think. I'm not even sure which I prefer

I really am in two minds. Part of me thinks the Impreza will be a nicer handler, yet having read the B4 technical catalogue, the handling comparison section, up against an M3, is impressive. But then even if the Impreza is a better handler, would it be noticeable, and would the Jap import WRX's gearing be too short for everyday motorway use?

[samuelellis]

BlueSmoke said:

Haven't seen many estate RSK's for sale, so it'll probably end up being a saloon I think. I'm not even sure which I prefer

I really am in two minds. Part of me thinks the Impreza will be a nicer handler, yet having read the B4 technical catalogue, the handling comparison section, up against an M3, is impressive. But then even if the Impreza is a better handler, would it be noticeable, and would the Jap import WRX's gearing be too short for everyday motorway use?

you are very very indecisive arent you

you know my views - for the distance your going i would get the more comfy one and if i can have more than enough fun in my mundane on the same pennine roads (and youve seen how my boring wallowy barge is currently sitting) then i cant see a Legacy disappointing you

[GravelBen]

BlueSmoke said:

Haven't seen many estate RSK's for sale

Its called a GTB

[GravelBen]

Not that you can really tell much about car handling from a video, but here is a GTB in action:

http://www.vimeo.com/2481437


Please excuse the excitable passenger impersonating Steve Irwin

[BlueSmoke]

Haven't you got work to do, Sam? Ben, I was under the impression GTB's were a previous generation! How come they don't call them RSK's, and are they the same spec? I have a bit of a preconception about all estates being wallowy and find it .hard to accept they can handle as well as a saloon....