Which way to go...

tnedator · 05-17-2004, 02:24 PM

I have posted a couple questions here regarding performance aspects of the XT. I want to trade my '03 Forester XS in on something with better performance (handling and acceleration). I think the XT handles the acceleration, but am not sure on the handling.

Here are the choices I am considering.
'04 XT Premium
'05 Legacy GT Wagon
'05 Dodge Magnum

The Magnum is really out of my price range, although it would be the most powerful.

The Legacy is going to cost several thousand more than the XT, plus I will not be able to get the 1.9% finacing on it, so the monthly cost will be higher.

The XT is the least powerful and worst handling, but is also the cheapest. In addition, I like the comfort, visibility, cargo area, etc. of my XS.

I know it is hard to draw comparisons between the new GT turbo and XT, since the GT isn't out yet. However, here is what I am wondering. If I get an XT and either go with the Cobb Stage one suspension upgrades, or equivalent STI parts and go to 17" wheels and better tires, how would you expect the XT to compare to the new '05 GT?

Also, how close will it be to my stock '02 WRX in handling?

Finally, I after reading through the posts, I don't seem to see a recommended replacement tire that is getting universal good reviews. My thoughts were to go with a 225/50/R17, since I believe that will keep the Speedometer accurate.

Thanks

Billy

Ghostrider600 · 05-17-2004, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tnedator

The Magnum is really out of my price range, although it would be the most powerful.

The Legacy is going to cost several thousand more than the XT, plus I will not be able to get the 1.9% finacing on it, so the monthly cost will be higher.

The XT is the least powerful and worst handling, but is also the cheapest. In addition, I like the comfort, visibility, cargo area, etc. of my XS.

If money is a concern, and your first two points seem to suggest it is, then why even consider the others?

The FXT is no STI in handling, but for an SUV it's no slouch; and other than some more pronounced body roll, it should be extremely similar to your stock 02 WRX--at least from my experience in 04 WRX wagons Vs the 04 XT.

Take your WRX to your local dealer, drive the FXT, then drive the Rrex, draw your own conclusions--it'd be better than taking our word for it.

tnedator · 05-17-2004, 02:38 PM

I currently have an '02 WRX and '03 Forester XS Premium, so I already know how the Forester handles. What I am wondering is how close to WRX handling I can get by going with the Cobb stage 1 suspension or STI parts and new wheels/tires.

I don't drive like a mad man, but like the less pronounced body roll that I get in the WRX.

fmowry · 05-17-2004, 03:55 PM

Not much body roll in my XT after the STI swap. Most of the roll now is from the stock Geolanders.

Plus you should be able to find XTs for cheap when the '05s are out. At least here in the Baltimore/DC area, there seem to be more XTs on lots than I've seen on the street. Actually I've only seen one other one on the street.

Frank

tnedator · 05-17-2004, 04:38 PM

Will any Subaru dealer install the STI sway bar, or does it need to be an authorized SPT/STI shop?

Also, on the the Subaru site they don't list the sway bar when you choose Forester XT.

Hondaslayer · 05-17-2004, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tnedator
Will any Subaru dealer install the STI sway bar, or does it need to be an authorized SPT/STI shop?

Also, on the the Subaru site they don't list the sway bar when you choose Forester XT.

That is because it is not a factory authorized mod.

All you need is the bar and bushings (trim the overlap)

Takes about 1/2 to install.

Peaty · 05-17-2004, 09:27 PM

Simple to install:

http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2937

and worth doing

tnedator · 05-17-2004, 10:12 PM

How will just the STI rear sway bar compare to the Cobb Stage 1, which has front and rear sway bar and a rear strut brace?

05-17-2004, 02:24 PM	#1
tnedator Scooby Newbie Member#: 21631 Join Date: Jul 2002 Vehicle: 2002 Red WRX + 2004 Silver FXT Premium	Which way to go... I have posted a couple questions here regarding performance aspects of the XT. I want to trade my '03 Forester XS in on something with better performance (handling and acceleration). I think the XT handles the acceleration, but am not sure on the handling. Here are the choices I am considering. '04 XT Premium '05 Legacy GT Wagon '05 Dodge Magnum The Magnum is really out of my price range, although it would be the most powerful. The Legacy is going to cost several thousand more than the XT, plus I will not be able to get the 1.9% finacing on it, so the monthly cost will be higher. The XT is the least powerful and worst handling, but is also the cheapest. In addition, I like the comfort, visibility, cargo area, etc. of my XS. I know it is hard to draw comparisons between the new GT turbo and XT, since the GT isn't out yet. However, here is what I am wondering. If I get an XT and either go with the Cobb Stage one suspension upgrades, or equivalent STI parts and go to 17" wheels and better tires, how would you expect the XT to compare to the new '05 GT? Also, how close will it be to my stock '02 WRX in handling? Finally, I after reading through the posts, I don't seem to see a recommended replacement tire that is getting universal good reviews. My thoughts were to go with a 225/50/R17, since I believe that will keep the Speedometer accurate. Thanks Billy Last edited by tnedator; 05-17-2004 at 02:37 PM.

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05-17-2004, 02:38 PM	#3
tnedator Scooby Newbie Member#: 21631 Join Date: Jul 2002 Vehicle: 2002 Red WRX + 2004 Silver FXT Premium	I currently have an '02 WRX and '03 Forester XS Premium, so I already know how the Forester handles. What I am wondering is how close to WRX handling I can get by going with the Cobb stage 1 suspension or STI parts and new wheels/tires. I don't drive like a mad man, but like the less pronounced body roll that I get in the WRX.

05-17-2004, 03:55 PM	#4
fmowry Scooby Specialist Member#: 54604 Join Date: Feb 2004 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Severn, MD Vehicle: 2004 FXT Cayenne Red (sold)	Not much body roll in my XT after the STI swap. Most of the roll now is from the stock Geolanders. Plus you should be able to find XTs for cheap when the '05s are out. At least here in the Baltimore/DC area, there seem to be more XTs on lots than I've seen on the street. Actually I've only seen one other one on the street. Frank

05-17-2004, 04:38 PM	#5
tnedator Scooby Newbie Member#: 21631 Join Date: Jul 2002 Vehicle: 2002 Red WRX + 2004 Silver FXT Premium	Will any Subaru dealer install the STI sway bar, or does it need to be an authorized SPT/STI shop? Also, on the the Subaru site they don't list the sway bar when you choose Forester XT.

05-17-2004, 09:27 PM	#7
Peaty Techno Sapien Moderator Member#: 449 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Lawrence, KS Vehicle: 2010 Legacy 3.6R Lim Azurite Blue Pearl	Simple to install: http://www.scoobymods.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2937 and worth doing

05-17-2004, 10:12 PM	#8
tnedator Scooby Newbie Member#: 21631 Join Date: Jul 2002 Vehicle: 2002 Red WRX + 2004 Silver FXT Premium	How will just the STI rear sway bar compare to the Cobb Stage 1, which has front and rear sway bar and a rear strut brace?