On Oct 23, 4:31 pm, s...@optonline.net wrote:
> Has anyone driven both? Last week I test drove a 2.5i Limited, and
> although I liked the car, there definitely wasn't enough pop when I
> pulled out into traffic on the highway. They just got a 2.5GT in
> today and another dealer has a 3.0 R and I'm going to test them both
> out. Just wondering though; is the turbo faster than the 6-cylinder
> 3.0 R or vice versa? ...and is there any reason to consider one over
> the other if the speed is anywhere near even?
>
> I'm definitely not a racer, but I like to be able to jump out on to
> the highway without waiting for a giant break in traffic (I live in
> New Jersey, and um... people aren't alway kind to drivers trying to
> get on to the highway). My most recent vehicles have been a 1990
> Maxima, a 2000 Maxima and a V8 Ford Explorer, so I'm used to having
> some power to work with. It was a bit alarming when stepped on the
> gas in the 2.5i 4-cylinder and it sort of took its' time getting up to
> a decent speed, lol. I've never driven or owned a turbo, but I hear
> that the Subbie turbo doesn't have that lag that I always heard about,
> so if the turbo 4-cylinder is comparable and costs a little less, why
> not?
>
> Oh yeah, since the GT is manual, and I haven't driven a stick in 7
> years, I may not be able to get the true feel for the car during my
> test drive because I'll be concentrating too hard on shifting for the
> first time in a while...
>
> Any input is appreciated...

I drive a WRX 5sp wagon, but while shopping for a car for my wife we
drove the 3.0 and 2.5XT Outbacks as well as a Legacy GT wagon. While
I prefer a stick, she wanted an automatic, and we both felt that the
3.0 six was a better match for the automatic. Turbo lag with an
automatic is annoying, but not the absolute horror I've experirnced in
some other cars. The 3.0 was also available, at least on a couple of
local dealer lots, with the LL Bean package which, for me doesn't
matter, but since she was replacing an Infiniti G35, just had to have
leather and the other upgrades to keep her happy. I prefer the
Outback to the G35. Call me crazy, but I think that the much shorter
wheelbase makes more responsive, and the extra ground clearance much
more suited to our crappy roads and snowy winters (the G35 required a
delicate approach to avoid scraping pavement on the small slope into
our driveway. The Outback climbs curbs with ease. In short, no
complaints on the 3.0. However, if it was for me, and I could get the
stick, I probably would opt for the 2.5XT if I absolutely had to
replace the WRX. Surprisingly, even I felt that the GT suspension was
just too stiff, and I've also been a nut for handling upgrades
regardless of how uncomfortable they made the ride. Good Luck.

Hey, thanks for all the input folks!