jnaylor

Can anyone comment on the differences between a '94 Legacy (2.0 twin turbo) vs a 94/95 Impreza?

Obviously, the Legacy is heavier (I believe anyway) but what about handling differences, and things like power and torque?

Cheers

Jase

HunterB

I had a 1994 Impreza 2000 Turbo (in 1994/95) and I currently drive a 1996 Legacy RS twin-turbo. The cars have different characteristics and I have to rely on my memory of the Impreza as I've never driven both back to back (I've driven cars such as a 1998 Sti5, a 1999 P1 and a 2000 Turbo back to back with mine, but they're all quite different from the 1994 car).

I recall being really impressed with the 1994 Impreza's speed, handling and road-holding but there hadn't been anything similar to compare it with (other than perhaps the Escort Cosworth). I also recall being really unimpressed with the interior - seats that could have come out of a 1.2L Nova , no panel dimmer switch, really pretty down-market interior. I decided that the driving experience was more important than the comfort, for a while. In the end, I couldn't live with the seats (I did some fairly long journeys and found them really uncomfortable) so it went in favour of a Mazda Xedos6.

The Legacy is much more refined than the Impreza. Interior is much better than the 1994 Impreza (I won't enter into an argument about whether it's better than the current Impreza ) and materials are of higher quality. My Legacy also has automatic climate control which I couldn't get with the 1994 Impreza (couldn't even get aircon), which is a "must have" now.

As regards handling, the Impreza is a sprint car, the Legacy a touring car. The Impreza will always be faster on a twisty road (driver skills being equal) because of its shorter wheelbase, lesser weight, sharper turn-in, etc. The Legacy's the car to have if you're travelling long distances. My Legacy has better brakes as standard, but these are upgradeable on both cars.

In a straight line, there's next to nothing in it. The Impreza will be faster off the line (lower weight so inertia is overcome more quickly) but, once moving, there's nothing in it to around 100. After 100, it's bye bye Impreza (that's when the second turbo kicks in in 5th). The Legacy is seriously quick from 100 to 150+, can't comment further than that but it was still pulling like a train Pretty academic in the UK, though

There is a slight lull in the torque between around 4000-4500rpm. This is caused by a reduction in exhaust gases to the smaller turbo as the larger turbo spools up and causes a dip in both torque and power for that 500rpm (quite visible on a dyno chart). It has been referred to as the "valley of death" but it's easily coped with. I run SUL all the time and Millers octane booster on track days or similar and the higher octane reduces the effect of the vod. I recently changed the rear box (cat-back) for a larger bore and it's changed the characteristics - the vod is still perceptible but about 500rpm further up the rev range but it all but disappears using octane booster. The car is just as quick but, because the transition to the larger turbo is less evident, it doesn't feel quite as quick. ....Or I could just be getting used to the power

If you're intent on modifying the car, the Impreza's really your only choice. There's very little you can do to a Legacy twin turbo (no-one will touch the ECU, for example, and Impreza exhaust parts don't fit), whereas there are loads of businesses doing Impreza upgrades. At the end of the day, it depends what you want from the car. If you want a sports car, go for the Impreza. If you want a touring car, choose the Legacy.

A couple of other points of note.... The twin-turbo Legacy was never sold in the UK so some insurance companies won't touch it (still easy enough to get quotes though) - don't know whether this applies in New Zealand; Imprezas get stolen, Legacies rarely do; the Police know what an Impreza looks like and what it's capable of, not many of them know what the Legacy can do so tend to ignore it.

Choose to suit your lifestyle and you won't be disappointed in either.

Brian

[This message has been edited by HunterB (edited 24 July 2001).]

jnaylor

Hey, cheers for the comment98s, absolutely brilliant.

You see I have all of a sudden decided that I want an Impreza... so I found this board and joined, but I have never actually driven one.
While I've driven GTiRs, EVOs and also my mate's Legacy, I was just assuming the WRX would be better overall, now I'm not so sure.

Most my intended driving would be long-distance - although New Zealand is not really known for its straight, fast roads! And like you say, 150+? Forget about that!

Thanks for your advice though... I appreciate it greatly. Think I'll go for the Impreza at this moment though... maybe a Legacy when I age a few more years!

Cheers

Jase

Luke

As Hunter reports. Everyone knows what a Impreza looks like. It is starting to be a bit common and give out the wrong signals....
(Not the 5. door ) Drive a fast Legacy, (I have Uk single turbo estate) and you will get a lot of "What the hell was that!!!) as you go pass. The police and thieves tend to leave you alone also. Could it be the Police see it as a more sensible Car??????

jnaylor

Yeah, at least here in NZ that is pretty much the case... exactly the reason my friend went for one. There are no 'boy-racers' with Legacy's (not the facelift model anyway) and as he puts it, "the best of both worlds!"

Yet to me... just not quite as fun!