Wagons from 2006: Subaru Legacy 2.5i vs. Volvo V70 2.5T AWD

"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish) 08/25/2019 at 17:31 • Filed to: oppo review

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It was suggested that I do a comparison review of these two, and I think I’ve driven the V70 enough now that I can do a fair comparison. Well, as fair as a comparison can be, between a bottom trim Legacy and nearly top trim V70, that also has 140k kms more on it.

Anyways. On to the review.

Looks

I’m going to generalize the models for this, instead of comparing these two cars in particular. I think the FWD V70 looks much better than the Legacy. The Legacy looks good at some angles, and quite awkward at some other angles. the V70 looks good from almost every angle, except the AWD versions that look awkward when the raised rear is evident. Loaded down enough that the rear is level with the front, it looks great from any angle. That said, V70s look much better with a spoiler, which mine doesn’t have. Personally, I think the V70 wins in the looks department, but I know many people love the looks of the Legacy, so I’ll call it a tie.

Interior

The Volvo wins, hands down. They both squeak and rattle, so that’s a wash. The Volvo doors close nicer, they don’t sound tinny and hollow like the Subaru. The Subaru has a smaller steering wheel, I think the Volvo wheel is too big, but that’s all the Subaru wins. The Volvo is so much more comfortable it’s insane, it has fold flat rear seats, which the Subaru doesn’t quite have, and the stock stereo is much better. Visibility is much better, the pillars are less obtrusive, and the rear window is bigger. Oh, and the rear headrests fold down. Every car should have that option, it improves visibility a ton.

Engine

This would be more fair to compare a 2.5GT, or a 3.0R to the 2.5T in the Volvo, but I haven’t driven them so I’m gonna go ahead and compare a base engine to a higher trim engine anyways.

The whiteblock is significantly better than the boxer in most ways. The Subaru doesn’t have much low end torque, and frequently bogs when given gas quickly, which is annoying at best, dangerous at worst. The Volvo has solid lugging power, and plenty of passing power when needed. Where the Subaru wins is fuel economy.

Subaru: 19/31. Volvo: 16/26. That’s a significant difference, especially with the Volvo needing 91.

I’m calling this one a win for the Volvo. They’re both expensive to maintain, and while the Subaru is much better on gas, the Volvo has never bogged so bad I thought it would stall, while trying to merge with fast traffic.

Transmission

The Subaru has a 4 speed auto, which is basically an ancient 3 speed with an overdrive thrown on. 3rd is direct, and there’s a huge gap between 2nd and 3rd, and the final drive is too tall for the torqueless motor to use 3rd as an effective passing gear unless it’s really wound out. It’s a miserable gearbox, and the poor matching of the engine, trans, and final gearing are the main reason for why I don’t like driving the Subaru. T he V70 has a 5 speed auto, and a very nicely matched up drivetrain. It downshifts quickly on its own, and the gearing lets the motor be at its most efficient at 120km/hr (75mph) which seems smart. At the same time, because of the turbo, it’ll still pull hills in 5th. The V70 not only wins, it wipes the floor with the Legacy.

AWD System

The Subaru has a wonderful system, which is no surprise. I can’t compare it to the V70, since I haven’t driven it in the snow yet.

Handling

This is a tricky section, because the Legacy only has 60k kms on it, while the V70 has 200k kms on it, and could use new shocks.

Both cars have undersized rear sway bars, but the Legacy controls body roll much, much better than the V70. The Legacy has more tire width relative to its size and weight, and does weigh 600lbs less than the V70. In order for the V70 to feel as good in corners as the Legacy does, it would need thicker sway bars, and better shocks. Probably wider tires too. That said, the V70 feels much better at sustained high speeds on the highway. The Subaru bounces, and fatigues you, while the V70 wafts. So the Subaru handles better, but I prefer the V70 for road trip reasons. But if I keep it, it’ll be getting IPD sway bars.

In Conclusion

They’re both good cars, but I prefer the V70. That said, I don’t know if I’m going to keep it. I might end up selling the V70 and the Legacy, but I really don’t know yet. Maybe I’ll drive the V70 through the winter, then get it better shocks, new control arms, and IPD sway bars and see if it handles more like I want it to, while still being a comfy road trip machine. Neither of them have the ground clearance I want, so I might be bailing on wagons and going back to an SUV...

BeaterGT > gmctavish needs more space 08/25/2019 at 17:40

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Good review! Subaru winning on fuel economy, did not expect that

For Sweden > gmctavish needs more space 08/25/2019 at 17:41

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One day, I will have the money & mindset to always pay someone to replace my car’s spark plugs.

Until that day, I can’t own a Subaru.

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > gmctavish needs more space 08/25/2019 at 17:43

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My sister has a white Outback, we just got a white V60CC. Would be an interesting comparison but I’ve only driven the Subaru a handful of times and really have no reason to borrow it. Outwardly they’re amazingly similar size. 

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > gmctavish needs more space 08/25/2019 at 17:53

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Before dropping the money on IPD look into other sources maybe? they’re stuff is great and I like to support them but I find their pricing reflects the scarcity of Volvo performance aftermarket parts. I only know about the RWD models but thicker swaybars can be had  cheaper than IPD

gmctavish needs more space > BeaterGT 08/25/2019 at 17:57

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Thanks!

T he 600 extra pounds on the Volvo and the turbo really add up. I’m curious if a 2.5GT would be similar.

gmctavish needs more space > For Sweden 08/25/2019 at 17:58

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Yeah, I think the oil change + spark plug change was like $300. 

gmctavish needs more space > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) 08/25/2019 at 18:00

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I’ve seen another brand come up but I can’t remember their name at the moment. I was co nsidering also ordering a skid plate from IPD, but I should also see if anyone else makes those. Damn cast aluminum oil pans.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > gmctavish needs more space 08/25/2019 at 18:08

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I too am in the market for a skid plate (idk what my oil pan is made out of but it’s red?) and why would you make an oil pan out of tinfoil? Idiots. Maybe sways from a sportier Volvo like an R may do the trick and be cheaper. 

BeaterGT > gmctavish needs more space 08/25/2019 at 18:13

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I’d say 26 is possible but I’ve never hit it. The 5 speed is not great for highway mpg.

M y average on Fuelly is 21.8. 

Sovande > gmctavish needs more space 08/25/2019 at 18:22

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Elevate sells one for $249.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > For Sweden 08/25/2019 at 18:30

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You can DIY the spark plugs just fine if you replace your adult hands with baby hands.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > gmctavish needs more space 08/25/2019 at 18:32

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My 2002 Impreza with the 2.5 and auto returned 22-25 hey mpg. That combo in the smaller car helped the acceleration quite a bit.

gmctavish needs more space > Sovande 08/25/2019 at 18:59

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Damn, I think the IPD one is $170

gmctavish needs more space > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 08/25/2019 at 19:00

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Huh, weird that the Legacy does better. Maybe the Impreza also has shorter final gearing 

Sovande > gmctavish needs more space 08/25/2019 at 19:57

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I think all Volvos benefit from a larger rear sway bar. I have put one on the last three I have had and the difference is always huge and very welcome.

I don't care for Elevate too much, so I'd go with IPD. Or try to find a used one on swedespeed.com. 

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > BeaterGT 08/25/2019 at 20:26

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Anyone who says Volvos are economical has not had to pay to put gas in a Volvo. That or they never get past 1/4 throttle. 

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > Sovande 08/25/2019 at 20:27

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Yeah I agree used makes the most sense for sways. 

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 08/25/2019 at 20:31

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Mine keep wearing out, I can never find baby sized gloves 

gmctavish needs more space > Sovande 08/25/2019 at 20:43

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Ooh that’s a good idea. 

Boxer_4 > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 08/25/2019 at 21:12

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Nah, you just need the right combo of tools:

U-joints and several extensions of various sizes are your friend.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Boxer_4 08/25/2019 at 21:38

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I had the dealer do mine. I wasn't up for it.

Dusty Ventures > gmctavish needs more space 08/25/2019 at 23:58

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“ Neither of them have the ground clearance I want, so I might be bailing on wagons and going back to an SUV...”

Sounds to me like you need an Outback XT

gmctavish needs more space > Dusty Ventures 08/26/2019 at 02:07

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Maybe an O utback 3.0R, I think a turbo EJ25 would make me even more nervous than my non-turbo EJ. I’d also need to find comfortable seats that fit without much trouble. I’m also considering getting an XC70 instead of the V70.

Dusty Ventures > gmctavish needs more space 08/26/2019 at 12:23

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3.0 could work, though there’s no manual option and I’m not sure if the auto is the same as in the 2.5i. Stay up on the oil level and changes (3,000 miles) and check the turbo impeller for play from time to time and it’s pretty easy to get the turbo EJ to last. I’ve got 207k on mine and the motor is rock solid (I did have an issue with bad injectors though). Seats are waaaay more comfortable than your base. The 3.0 and XT come with the top of the line interior, so big padded leather seats, giant sunroof, etc. I won’t say they’re as comfortable as a Volvo because Volvo seats are of a different world, but I’ve done 8+ hours in the driver seat without getting out longer than to pee and get gas and wasn’t sore or stiff or uncomfortable at any point.

gmctavish needs more space > Dusty Ventures 08/26/2019 at 18:38

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True, but the 3.0 has a 5 speed shot at least. It’s too bad, an H6 with a manual would be fun.

Well that all sounds a lot better than I’m used to....my friend has an Outback 3.0R, I’ve spent a bit of time in the passenger seat and it did seem better than mine.