What's the difference between the Legacy and the Outback.?

Which one is better. I live in rural new york state and we get snow and ice lots in the winter and I have a 20 mile commute that's usually on the highway but also some on back roads too. what is good and bad about both the Legacy and the Outback?

thanks..

1 year ago
Out of the subaru wagons, which one could you say is the best, I'd like to learn all the "real" information on these that I can and you may be able to only get the "real" information from real people who have or do own them.

Out of personal experiance, the outback is a bit more rugged, it has better suspension, but the legacy does just also. I have had two legacy's, a justy and a svx. and lived in the catskill mountains, the legacy's both did a great job in the winter time, I greatly recommend both the legacy and legacy outback, but if you live out in the sticks with roads that are really rough you may want the outback. Its a little smoother on rough roads. But trust me, you'll be happy with either one. A subaru has generally gotten me through awful winters when other cars get stuck. If you're going to purchase a used one, be sure it has all service records, if it hasn't been properly maintained you may run into some problems. I bought one in NYC that wasn't properly maintained and ended up putting more money into the car than I paid for it. If maintained properly it'll last FOREVER. It isn't unusual for a Subaru to get over 300k miles. be sure before you get it, it has had the timing belt replaced if it has over 90k miles. Or if you get a manual be sure the clutch is in good form. If you go for the legacy get the LE. it's a better car all the way around. In all the years we have had subaru's, ours never once went in the ditch. But don't think they can not go in the ditch, they can, but if you drive carefully it's not likely. If you want to know anything else you may be able to email me. wannarace928@.com

They make the Legacy Outback, which is nice. do not discount a Subuaru Impreza, I used to own one and loved it till I totalled it :

The general idea Legacy isn't fit with off road suspension and offering 4wd handling on the Mazda6 / Camry / Accord market. Outback is more directed towards five seater medium SUV for North America

wouldn't take either car off road, but the outback is a more rugged, bigger tires, road clearance is a little higher, not much else I think, I have both

While there's an Outback Sport that's depending on the Impreza wagon, the top of the line Outback models are depending on the Legacy. The key difference is that they have more ground clearance and plastic lower body moldings.

The question will be if those back roads are smooth pavement with lots of corners, or bumpy pavement and gravel. The Legacy will corner somewhat better than the Outback on a smooth road because it is got a lower center of gravity, the Outback will take bumpy, rutted roads better because you have got more ground clearance.

So think about your commute in your current car, and what gives you the most trouble. If you are generally hanging up on high spots in the center of the road, or if you on occasion get the front end stuck when you attempt to turn into a snowy driveway, then the Outback is most likely for you. On the other hand, if those back roads have lots of tight corners and are usually smooth, the Legacy will be more rewarding.

I live in Portland, Oregon where it rains lots and snows a little, but I have driven over the Cascades and the Siskiyous many many times in my 2004 WRX. with the stock Bridgestone tires, the car was controllable, safe and sure footed in the snow. Then last winter I put on a set of dedicated Nokian Hakkapeliittaa snow tires and it was astounding.

If you get lots of snow, save up your pennies and purchase a set of Hakkas they are about $150 apiece but they'll transform an already great snow car into something nearly magical. My nine year old son tells people that Hakkapeliittaa is Finnish for "Snow? What snow? You call this SNOW???" :