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It is a sad thing that Americans have such dim view of Subaru. It is all Subaru of America fault, although they are desperately trying to change that perception. Subaru is one of only two major automotive manufacturers in the world that are primarily engineering companies. The other is Porsche. Subaru makes some of the most engaging cars you can buy without a racing license. Even their watered down American market models such as Outback and B9 Tribeca have very sporty, muscular feel to them. I am not talking stupid things like power. Any moron can put a huge engine in any car and make it stupid fast. There plenty of examples around. Subaru makes well engineered performance cars that have weak engines. It is their philosophy. It is what makes them so engaging and wonderful driver's cars, much in the same way as the original 1990 Miata was an absolute treat to drive, despite having a very weak engine. I personally always have more fun driving a well handling slow car at the limit of its performance abilities than a heavy fast car much below its limits. In other words, I would much rather drive a basic 110 hp Subaru Impreza than a 300 hp Mustang. I can take the Impreza to its limits and it just keeps begging for more. A Mustang will get me killed in short order if I get anywhere close to the limits of its power on public roads. Cheap cars with well tuned chassis are great fun.
The other aspect of Subaru is its quirkiness. Much like SAAB, Subaru cars are a) different and b) not for everyone. That's what makes Subaru (and SAAB) so attractive for car enthusiasts. Previous generation Legacy has interior that would make any SAAB owner feel at home. Seats are horrible, though, so be forewarned :)
I attended a comparison test drive where I was able to drive BMW 325i, Volvo S60 and Subaru Legacy back to back. On a tight autocross style course it was very apparent which one was the sportiest. Volvo was by far the least sporty -- sloppy handling, poor traction, very nose heavy, very slippery seat unsuited for performance driving. BMW was extremely smooth and handled very well. It would have been my choice for overall winner for everyday driving. However, Legacy was by far the sportiest of the bunch. It had much better traction around faster corners and in general felt much more composed.
posted by 12.198.2...
, Tue, 6 Feb 2007 14:44:19
, Sat, 10 Feb 2007 14:48:41
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