2 new subaru's - completely different...

[Napalm]

I have purchased a 2003 Legacy Wagon SE and a 2003 Legacy Sedan GT. Both
are listed at about the same curb weight, have the same engine and tranny,
and are rated identically for fuel efficiency. Problem is that the Wagon
feels incredibly sluggish, especially in 4th and 5th, drives a bit rough,
and gets about 450-475km to each tank of gas. The Sedan is super peppy, has
plenty of pull in 4th and 5th up to 140km (still breaking it in...), drives
smoothly, and gets about 550+km to each tank of gas.

Is this normal for there to be such variability between virtually identical
vehicles???

 

[GC]

Probably geared different

 

[Andrew Morris]

Isn't the Sedan a turbo?

Probably geared different

 

[Rockin Ronnie]

I have purchased a 2003 Legacy Wagon SE and a 2003 Legacy Sedan GT. Both
are listed at about the same curb weight, have the same engine and tranny,
and are rated identically for fuel efficiency. Problem is that the Wagon
feels incredibly sluggish, especially in 4th and 5th, drives a bit rough,
and gets about 450-475km to each tank of gas. The Sedan is super peppy, has
plenty of pull in 4th and 5th up to 140km (still breaking it in...), drives
smoothly, and gets about 550+km to each tank of gas.

Is this normal for there to be such variability between virtually identical
vehicles???

Are these American spec vehicles with the 165HP engine. This is an
international NG and there are variations worldwide so it pays to be
specific and to identify the nation you are from.

Ron

 

[TW-Ohio]

2 new subaru's - completely different...

From: "Napalm" (e-mail address removed)
Date: 11/26/2003 11:38 PM Eastern Standard Time
I have purchased a 2003 Legacy Wagon SE and a 2003 Legacy Sedan GT. Both
are listed at about the same curb weight, have the same engine and tranny,
and are rated identically for fuel efficiency. Problem is that the Wagon
feels incredibly sluggish, especially in 4th and 5th, drives a bit rough,
and gets about 450-475km to each tank of gas. The Sedan is super peppy, has
plenty of pull in 4th and 5th up to 140km (still breaking it in...), drives
smoothly, and gets about 550+km to each tank of gas.

Is this normal for there to be such variability between virtually identical
vehicles???

As one post noted - they might be geared differently; and IIRC, this is true.
The GT is geared more closely and shorter than the L and SE. (I wish my GT had
a 6spd!, and a 3.0L, and a twin-turbo, - but that's another matter for a
different thread!)
But I agree, 450k vs 550k seems like a big difference for such similar cars.
My GT wagon was terrible for the first yr+, but has improved slightly. My Mrs'
SE gets better mpg but she is also not one to push the fun-pedal
(testosterone-pedal, go-pedal..) as forcefully as I!
Have you driven each one for two or three, or more tankfuls for the same
weekly routine? I know I will get~23 in my usual routine, bit if I am out on
highways for 1/2 tankful or more, I get ~26mpg (28.4best ever).
IIRC, the wagon weighs a bit more, no?
Same use of AC/Heater/Fan? Same point of purchase for fuel? Same tire
inflation?
Terry - '02 Regatta-Red GT wagon 5spd - 25,000 miles
'03 Silver Legacy SE auto-sedan - 2450 miles
Yakima / TandeMover / Rockymount rack
To reply, get rid of the "nonsense"

 

[Jason Kavanaugh]

Are these American spec vehicles with the 165HP engine. This is an
international NG and there are variations worldwide so it pays to be
specific and to identify the nation you are from.

Ron

Since he is talking about km instead of miles I'm going to guess it
isn't American spec although I could be wrong.

Jason