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Powerful options: Honda Accord V6 and Subaru Legacy GT

December 16, 2009

Hi, Botchi!

I'd like to get your opinion. I know you've driven the new Subaru Legacy GT and the Honda Accord V6 based on what I've read in the magazine. And from the latest issue, I sense that you prefer the Legacy. But considering everything (performance, build quality, maintenance, fuel economy, features, etc.), which car would you rather own if you were buying and maintaining it yourself?

My heart definitely beats for the Subaru Legacy but my mind does a double take on the Honda Accord. Decisions, decisions!

Ramibel

Hi, Ramibel!

I'm glad you enjoy reading our magazine! We feel honored when readers take the time out to write back to us and give their comments, questions and suggestions.

Now, going straight to your question: would I rather buy a Honda Accord or a Subaru Legacy GT? I'd definitely go for a Legacy GT--and a station wagon at that!

Just as you mentioned, the Legacy appeals to our emotions. A car is the second biggest purchase most people will ever make in their lives. Hence, if I'm paying a lot of dosh, the car had better connect with me both in an intellectual and emotional level.

I'd put in fatter track-day spec tires (like Nitto's NTO5, Adva AD) or Bridgestone's RE-11s (but keep the stock wheels for now) plus big big brakes, an open exhaust to really hear that engine rumble, a Zero Sports induction kit, front-mount intercooler and aftermarket oil coolers for engine and transmission, an ECU reflash and I'll be scaring rice rockets all-day everyday!

Tuning and modifying is an important part of owning a car for me so it has to be the Legacy GT 2.5 Turbo. As a bonus, Motor Image Pilipinas, the authorized distributor and importer of Subarus in ASEAN and in the Philippines, looks kindly on modified Subarus. Motor Image understands that tuning and modifying is inherent to a quirky, left-field car manufacturer such as Subaru. After-sales support and service is excellent. When you buy a Subaru, you will feel like you're part of an extended family.

The Honda Accord? It's decent, competent, safe, smooth, handles well and the V6 engine with variable cylinder management is cool. But it's got zero sex appeal to me. This is my opinion, since you asked.

Cheers and keep me posted on what car you do decide to get!  

Botchi Santos
Consumer editor

 

Lost in a sea of cars and not quite sure which one to get? Click here to email your car query so Botchi can help you pick the right vehicle!  

 
 
 
 
 
 

COMMENTS

  • skapunkboy01 says I see nothing special about legacy. Interior and exterior in accord is both luxurious since the exterior is form BMW. Maybe you like Subaru because it's an American car and you like to feel BIG. Peace! (December 16, 2009 11:57:11 pm)
  • John Martin C. Balinghasay says yes there is nothing special about the legacy; its permanent AWD and more efficient turbocharged engine with its sublime and neutral handling is nothing special as it is designed in JAPAN because it is a JAPANESE car; not like the SPECIAL ACCORD eventhough made by Honda it was designed in AMERICA for AMERICANS because there is a smaller accord designed elsewhere and the FACT that its considered to be a FULLSIZE car with its common V6 and FWD drivetrain as compared to the Legacy as a MIDSIZE car. yes there is nothing special about the Legacy. . . (December 17, 2009 05:36:20 am)
  • fortis says if you are a car enthusiast even just by heart you'll pick the Subaru. Imagine the possibilities: Garrett Turbo, Greddy Intercooler, HKS intake and exhaust, HKS blow-off valve, modify the engine internals and then tune it. Baby baby baby, 400++ HP!!! If you are the type who buys cars just for the sake of using it for travelling from point A to B well the Accord is for you. (December 17, 2009 02:47:38 pm)
  • skapunkboy01 says hahaha! damn it! i stand corrected. Subaru is a Japanese car. I just researched it in Wikipedia after i read John's comment. My friend told me that it's an American car. I want Honda accord because of it's looks inside and out. I prefer luxury than sporty. I think turbochargers makes your car noisy because i saw a video of a Toyota Camry with TRD turbochargers in Youtube. They consider accord as an full size sedan because of it's dimensions not it's engine and drive train. Camry V6 is not considered as an full size sedan. John and Fortis show us your ride! (December 18, 2009 03:34:21 am)
  • John Martin C. Balinghasay says Of course EVERYONE KNOWS that a car's dimensions determine its SIZE and not its engine configuration, I just stated the difference that the Accord is bigger than Legacy bec you commented to Sir Botchi that he "like to feel BIG". and by stating the VERY COMMON configuration of a V6 FWD drivetrain as compared to a Turbo I-4 AWD of the Legacy as you said is "nothing special". And turbocharger's dont make a car noisy, Its their exhaust system that produce noise. Learned anything yet. And Wikipedia is not a credible source for a "car enthusiast" as yourself who knows how to comment without proper knowledge. . . (December 18, 2009 06:27:26 am)
  • Boy says My my what a debate we have here! (December 18, 2009 07:33:45 am)
  • skapunkboy01 says I just searched if Subaru is a Japanese car. I'll show a video in youtube later where trd turbocharger is noisy. i gotta go to school now. To boy we have a debate for our public speaking 2 later and a debate for finals tomorrow! Wish me luck! ciao! (December 18, 2009 09:27:35 am)
  • Wiji says skapunkboy01. Who in the world who knows about cars thinks subaru is an american car? (December 18, 2009 10:29:50 am)
  • skapunkboy01 says Wiji learn English. You're not even worth to debate with. (December 18, 2009 02:13:56 pm)
  • john legspi says it's up to you what type of guy you are.if you are an enthusiast,you'll go w/ the all wheel drive. (December 18, 2009 04:54:12 pm)
  • Hans says John. I sense you like Subaru too.... I mean, I do too. For my High school documentary essay, I wrote about Subaru. I probably know more about Subaru's history than some of the Subaru salesmen/women. but you need to chill. nobody's perfect... Look at you. You wrote that the Legacy has an I-4. ehhh. wrong. it's a flat 4. world of difference there... and I'm guessing skapunkboy01 doesn't give a schmuck about Subarus. Not many people do. Not many people understand Subaru until they've owned one. OUr family owns an 04 Forester and an 08 Legacy. Awesome-er than your Accord. skapunkboy01, Subarus are awesome. Admit it. Honda never won any rally titles. or F1 titles. Nothing. Subaru won 3 rally titles. and the previous gen Legacy and Forester broke land speed records in the 90s. Subaru is special, or at least, more special than the geekiness of Honda (and Toyota, too.) Sir Botchi. I agree with all my heart. (hehehehe biased) (December 18, 2009 06:20:09 pm)
  • John Rigor says Yes, turbochargers can in fact make car a BIT noisy, but Subaru's turbocharged 4 engine can run smoothly and quietly because it is superbly balanced. I agree with Botchi, the Subie is the car for true car enthusiasts. (December 18, 2009 07:20:50 pm)
  • John Rigor says I'm sorry for the mistake I made. I was talking about Subaru's flat 4 engine. (December 18, 2009 07:26:41 pm)
  • John Martin C. Balinghasay says sorry about the typo about the inline 4 comment. I have known subaru's since early 90's from the justy's to the svx. so chill its a typo and am guessing it wont matter much to our punkboy here who does not know $H!t about cars. . . (December 18, 2009 07:54:16 pm)
  • skapunkboy01 says Chill man! are you a big fan of botchi? sorry about that. i haven't driven our Camry yet. but i really like its interior and exterior and performance. i still don't have a license yet. but next year i will have one. I just like cars by its look and HP. I want to learn more about cars. but john is arguing with me like a kid. he never understood that everyone has its own taste. Chill man. Are you not educated? (December 19, 2009 12:49:26 am)
  • awwii says subaru has good performance, more solid quality and good reputation. honda has enviroment-friendly engines (as they speak) and good interior craftsmanship. but it really depends on the person on what suited him/her the better. (December 19, 2009 12:58:28 am)
  • skapunkboy01 says I liked luxury cars because we had Mercedes Benz back in japan and a Camry now. so I'm used to luxury cars. i have no interest in racing. don't be mad john balinghasay. (December 19, 2009 01:43:24 am)
  • Balls says I find it funny when people include their full names (December 19, 2009 03:38:38 am)
  • John Martin C. Balinghasay says wow a kid! hahaha that confirms it, no wonder am "arguing like a kid" bec you are a kid! Well kid I understand perfectly well about each other's taste in their choice of cars, and I definitely respect them more if they make comments based on facts. that's the reality kid, learn it. whenever you write something take responsibility bec no matter how old you are, it will reflect your upbringing so now I rest, by the way I have no qualms with anyone here and am signed with an account so my name is in full and I find it more funny that people hide in aliases, to each his own, signing off. . . (December 19, 2009 04:04:17 am)
  • Hiro Watanabe says You made a small mistake big. SO that's how you deal with it? My mistake was knowing Subaru is a American car, that's it. Can't you by just reading my comment that i didn't even include technical terms. I just said that i like the interior and exterior. Do you just want to show off your knowledge about cars? Kid? I don't get it why you talk like you were offended? Are you even Botch? Just chill men. Do you know the level of privacy in internet? that's why we use aliases or just our first name. No need to write first name second name middle initial and surname. and didn't I took responsibility about my mistake? you're just making it a issue. hahaha! chill! (December 19, 2009 05:37:38 am)
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