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(Enlarge photo)
This pair of performers just happens to be cloaked in station wagon disguises.
(Photo by Scott Jacobs)
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2005 Dodge Magnum RT Rwd 4dr Wagon (5.7L 8cyl 5A)
(vehicle detail)
Ups: Effortless speed, sporty handling for such a heavy car, tight build quality, strong brakes, spacious cabin.
Downs: Not as involving a drive as the Legacy, hard plastic trim taints cabin atmosphere.
First Impression: Although its performance will delight driving enthusiasts, the Magnum RT also has the room, comfort and features that make it a smart choice for the whole family.
Base MSRP of Test Vehicle: $29,995
Options on Test Vehicle: Protection Group ($590 — includes side curtain airbags, cabin air filter, 225/60R18 self-sealing tires); Electronics Convenience Group ($630 — includes trip computer, outside temperature display, universal garage opener, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, security alarm); Trailer Tow Package ($350 — includes "severe duty" engine cooling and auto load leveling); Convenience Group II ($925 — includes dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, power-adjustable pedals, power passenger seat); Sirius Satellite Radio ($195 — includes one year of service); UConnect Hands-Free Communication System ($360).
MSRP of Test Vehicle: $33,045
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(Enlarge photo)
As young drivers, most of us would've given the family car the thumbs down. Things are different now; if you buy one of these, we suggest hiding the keys from your kids!
(Photo by Scott Jacobs)
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Road Test: Comparison Test
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Comparison Test : 2005 Dodge Magnum RT vs. Subaru Legacy GT
Introduction
By
John DiPietro
Date posted: 06-02-2005
From Embarrassing to Embraced
Station wagons have come a long way since the days of Custom Cruisers, Country Squires and Caprice Estates. Those leviathans have essentially been replaced by the ongoing crush of minivans and SUVs. Still, for those who prefer a vehicle more along the lines of a sedan with a large cargo hold, all is not lost. Unlike those wood-decaled Brady Bunch mobiles of yore, today's wagons are stylish and sporty and something you wouldn't have been embarrassed to drive to your senior prom.
At first blush, pitting the 2005 Dodge Magnum R/T against the 2005 Subaru Legacy GT Limited may seem a little bizarre, like having Clint Eastwood (in his "Dirty Harry" days) squaring off against Jackie Chan. But the question that launched this piece was essentially this: "You're a car enthusiast who has set his (or her) sights on a sporty wagon priced in the low $30K range — what are your choices?" That left us this pair, whose stickers were within $1,500 of each other.
We can almost hear the Dodge saying (in Clint's voice): "But being as I am a Hemi-powered Magnum, one of the most powerful wagons made, that could blow your doors clean off, you've got to ask yourself one question…." And then we've got the Subie saying, well, not much. Mr. Chan usually lets his moves do the talking, which we imagined would be the case with the Legacy GT.
Like our buddy Clint in his heyday, the Magnum has the type of confident presence that commands respect. The powerful stance is enhanced with the low-profile windows, semifastback roofline and 18-inch alloys filling the wheelwells. The Legacy is more sophisticated, almost European in flavor (check out the BMW-like headlights) yet still sports a hood scoop that gives it some Subaru attitude.
Heavy-Hitting Hemi, Blown Boxer
As almost everybody knows by now, the Magnum RT comes packing a 340-horsepower Hemi-head V8 with 390 pound-feet of roaring torque, while the middleweight Legacy GT gets 250 horses (250 lb-ft of torque) from its turbocharged flat four. Those of you with Rain Man-like minds might be thinking. "Gee, how fair is that? The Magnum's got 36-percent more power." Well, yes, it does. But do the math all the way and you'll see that in terms of weight-to-power ratios, the two combatants aren't as mismatched as one might first think — the Legacy carries 14 pounds for every horse, while the Magnum's steeds each haul around 12.4.
Our Magnum had rear-wheel drive (though AWD is available) where the Legacy only comes with AWD. Go with the AWD Magnum and its weight/power ratio goes up to 12.9-to-1. But as we wanted to keep pricing as similar as possible and also allow more distinct personalities between the cars, we opted to go with the rear-drive Magnum.
The Envelope Please…
After getting these two together and enjoying two weeks of living with them, we were able to decide who would drive off with the Inside Line version of an Oscar. And unlike the Academy Awards, we won't make you wait until the end to let you know who got "Best station wagon in a sporting role."
As a close cousin to the highly respected and lusted-after Chrysler 300C, the Dodge Magnum RT could be the coolest wagon on the planet for under $34 grand (nicely equipped, no less). With more passenger and cargo room than the Legacy to please the kids and the parents, that bottomless well of power from the Hemi to please us enthusiasts and enough comfort and convenience features to please everyone, it was unanimous. The Oscar goes to the Dodge Magnum RT.
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