Subaru's quartet of Legacy sedans can be split along engine lines. The 2.5i and 2.5i Limited are powered by a normally aspirated, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, horizonatally-opposed (boxer) engine, good for 168 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque. The Legacy GT and GT Limited enjoy a big-time advantage in power thanks to a turbocharged, intercooled, version of the standard motor that weighs in with 250 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 250 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm.

The turbo engine is essentially a hand-me-up from the Legacy's "little" brother, the Impreza WRX STi. Let's be clear - as applied to the Legacy GT, this motor is not the full-zoot screamer that makes the STi arguably the most fun car ever to wear a clothes rack on its trunk. But, even with 50 fewer horses and a weight handicap, the Legacy GT is well served by the turbo-powered boxer four.

As proof, Subaru claims that the GT with the five-speed stick shift approaches the mid-five second range for 0-60 acceleration time. This qualifies as seriously quick and the torque-friendly boxer engine doesn't suffer from the peakiness that plagues many small-displacement, high-powered mills. Turbo lag is modest, the car comes off the line with ease, and wakes up with a burst as engine revs crest 2,500 rpm. The motor responds best when stirred with a manual, even in this case, when the manual isn't particularly stirring. Though our test car was equipped with the optional, short-throw manual shifter, the action felt vague and not especially short. If this powertrain combo were a couple on the dance floor, you'd say that the engine was definitely leading.

Mileage-wise, the GT weighs in at 19 city/25 highway. Those who opt for the normally aspirated 2.5i models will save some coin at the pumps - the EPA rates the 2.5i with the manual transmission at 23 mpg city/30 highway. Plus, in California and the New England region, this thriftier motor is rated as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV).

Photos: © Dan Lyons 2005