Legacy GT vs JDM Legacy GT vs Liberty GT

[SporeSubie]

Hi, perhaps someone can help my confused soul here.... I'm in Singapore and want to either purchase a 05 Legacy 2.0GT or 05 Legacy 2.0GT JDM.

In Singapore the official engine specs are 2.0L Twinscroll turbo 245hp
The JDM apparently is exactly the same only tuned to 260hp.

Anyone know if the difference is indeed only in the tuning or ECU programming or whatever? And what about the Liberty downunder? Is it the 2.5L or 2.0L version and what hp is it tuned to?

Thanks for any help rendered!

[apexjapan]

I think what has happened here is that the non-JDM version has either had ECU reprogramming for the gas quality there, or that's what they expect that it will make on the gas that you have available there. You must be talking about automatic versions as well.

I wouldn't worry too much either way, and go for what is cheapest w/warranty. If they list the non-JDM as 245hp, then that is likely all you would get with the JDM version, once it adjusts itself to running the gas you have there.

Cheers,

Paul Hansen
www.avoturboworld.com
www.apexjapan.com

[SporeSubie]

Thanks Paul,

I've been reading your articles in apexjapan.com since your first take on the new legacy in 2003! Actually wanted to email you directly to ask these questions but thankfully you read this post and replied!

I am really looking to buy the wagon as it's my dream car (well an RS6 would be nice but that costs US$250k (yes, quarter million) here in Singapore!). Unfortunately the authorised dealer here in S'pore doesn't bring the wagon in (probably competes against their Outback H6 which they are aggressively promoting), so only another "parallel" importer brings in the wagon on request, ie NO warranty. This is the JDM wagon (Auto), supposedly rated at 260hp, vs the official non-JDM rating of 245hp for the sedan from the official importer.

We all use 98-Octane rating petrol here, in your opinion then would that be a reason for the differences in hp? You think I would still get only 245 out of the rated 260 with this petrol? or perhaps ECU reprogramming more likely? Thanks!

Paul

[apexjapan]

It depends on the actual quality of the gas as well as the octane rating... Probably just some ECU programming.

Cheers,

Paul Hansen
www.avoturboworld.com
www.apexjapan.com