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2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited AWD 4dr Wagon (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
(vehicle detail)
Ups: Handling more sport sedan than wagon, stylish interior, supportive seats, solid build quality, manual transmission available.
Downs: A little soft off the line, braking performance not as strong as expected, backseat tight for taller folks.
The Bottom Line: An entertaining wagon with an enviable identity crisis, the Legacy GT combines Germanic road performance with Japanese ergonomics, build quality and value.
Base MSRP of Test Vehicle: $30,370
(including destination charge)
Options on Test Vehicle: Five-speed automatic transmission ($1,200).
MSRP of Test Vehicle: $31,570
(including destination charge)
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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.
The Bottom Line: 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
(including destination charge)
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
(including destination charge)
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Comparison Tests
Comparison Test : 2005 Dodge Magnum RT vs. Subaru Legacy GT
Second Opinions
By John DiPietro
Date Posted 06-02-2005
Road Test Editor Dan Kahn says:
Picking either the Legacy GT Wagon or Dodge Magnum is kind of like deciding who's the better superhero: Spiderman or Batman. One is light and agile with a super-sticky grip, while the other is big, powerful and intimidating. Both cars accomplish their given tasks of hauling lots of people and cargo while providing an exciting driving experience; they just go about it in very different ways.
If I had to choose one of these big haulers for my personal fleet, it would be the Magnum. The Dodge suffers from several shortcomings, including limited visibility and a plasticky interior that could use some refinement. None of that matters, however, when you twist the key and the Hemi fires to life. Torque flows forth like a raging river, and the gargantuan Magnum feels like a four-door dragster with room for the kids. The five-speed automatic is divine, and the suspension is sporty enough for a 2-ton wagon.
I like the Legacy wagon for the same reasons I like our long-term sedan. Steering is tight and offers excellent feedback, the suspension is perfectly tuned and the all-wheel drive offers amazing grip. The turbocharged four-cylinder doesn't have much bottom end, but once the boost kicks in around 3,000 rpm the Subie takes off like a rocket. I also enjoyed the fit-and-finished interior. Complaints include the bulbous Shamu-like styling, chintzy faux wood grain interior appliqués, and a trans that sometimes feels out of sync with the motor. The Legacy wagon is a great car, but I'd still choose the Dodge.
Road Test Editor Brian Moody says:
It's hard to compare the Dodge Magnum and the Subaru Legacy. They're so similar and yet so different. They're similar in purpose but vastly different in execution.
I really like the Magnum's simple and straightforward approach — V8, rear-wheel drive, station wagon configuration. It doesn't pretend to be anything other than just a powerful and relatively affordable Dodge with a dose of attitude. It's a Dodge that Dodge can be proud of.
On the other hand, the Legacy is more sophisticated with its turbo motor, refined interior and all-wheel drive. The GT's engine is terrific. But so is the Magnum's — in a different way.
For me, the perfect performance wagon would be a car that had the Magnum's size and the Legacy's interior topped off by a Hemi V8. What the Magnum lacks in civility, it makes up for with brawn. What the Legacy lacks in low-end grunt it more than makes up for with style, fun and finesse.
I like them both but feel more comfortable in the Dodge Magnum. It's a car that fits me and my lifestyle so effortlessly.
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