Has anyone checked this out as a possible competitor to the TL?

- 250 HP (but only available as a turbo-4 cylinder)
- AWD
- Ugly hood scoop

4DR GT starts at just over $28k.

I probably would have looked at this pretty closely before buying my TL, but it seems to lack a few of the amenities of the TL (XM, Blue Tooth, Nav), while also lacking the 6 Cylinder engine. However AWD is a pretty nice feature.

 

awd is a really nice feature, but for 28 i wouldnt opt for a subaru except the STi. this car has a chance of outrunning the TL but not by much.

 

You would rather have a 6 cyl than a turbo 4? Keep in mind the WRX which is faster than our car is a 225HP turbo 4, while this is 250HP turbo 4. This wagon is still probably faster than our car. You have to be a certain type of person to drive a Subaru though...

 

I would compare the Legacy Vs. TSX, not the TL. I would take the Legacy GT over the TSX anytime. The car has a nice AWD system and the STi Motor which can go up to 310whp with simple bolt ons on stock turbo. Change to a larger turbo and intercooler and u have a 400whp+ reliable all weather car with good space.

 

Even the best 4 is no match for an average 6. And the TL has nowhere an average 6. I drove the 2.5GT on a closed circuit. Different class and it shows. I didn't enjoy the 4 cyl. I preferred the H6, same power, same fuel economy.

 

The versatility of the wagon is good. However I think a more direct competitor to the TL would be the Outbacks rather than the Legacy, but even then it's still a stretch. In the not too distant future there is rumour of another Subaru/Saab vehicle, that might just push Subaru into the Luxo lineof cars.

 

No xenon, either.

 

this belongs in "Car & Talk" I believe.

http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=76

 

I drove the new 2.5 GT limited and it is VERY similar inside to the TL except not available with NAVI. Pretty much everything else was there though. and the 250 HP/250 TQ is equal or better to the TL and the handling was amazing with AWD. The engine is the SAME as the WRX STi (2.5L Boxster 4 cyl turbo). The Sti has 300 hp and this version is detuned (exhaust and intake) to 250 so the 5 speed auto could handle the power. The car had sportshift mode, but the buttons to shift up and down are on the steering wheel.

Having said all that I still bought the TL

 

Another missing feature in the 2.5GT not available. ESP. Safety-wise it is much more important than AWD. H6 versions gets it, but not the 2.5GT.

If people would realize what ESP is able to achieve, they would pay thousands for it. It is one of the most understated new technology recently. What Subaru wants you to believe with AWD by avoiding last minute obstacles as advertised is pure BS. ESP can do that, not AWD.

 

I know what ESP is, and have had it in a few cars. I think it is very worthwhile, but I also think you are overstating it a bit. It still cannot reverse the laws of physics. I personally think AWD is just as important for people who drive in slippery conditions as it can keep you from needing ESP to bail you out - which even it can't always do. I'd call it a wash.

 

I disagree completely. You live in Texas right? Well I live in the kingdom of snow -Quebec. I owned an Audi Quattro for 3 years.

AWD does nothing than allowing you to accelerate better on slippery surface. It does nothing for handling or braking. It does not create additional road holding. There is a reason why in autocross, lighter 2WD cars succeed more than AWD ones. There is also a reason why Mercedes or BMW chose not to equip their performance and safety flagship cars with AWD.