GT or 3.6R

Hey guys,


Its about time for a much needed upgrade. I am stuck between a GT or the 3.6R. I want the GT for the 6spd, but I will get a 3.6R if i hear good things about them. How does both handle, hows the ride, etc? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks guys!

Handling, ride, power and braking are essentially identical. The GT is much more tuneable if you are interested in more power. 60 HP more at the wheels and like 100 lb/ft of torque increase are quite easy and cost effective to make happen. The 3.6R has a smoother power deliver and more useable power throughout the rpms, but not really tuneable for more power.

What years are you looking at?

I am sticking with the 5th gen. I went to the dealership today and he said it was pretty much impossible to find a GT. I know the 3.6Rs are easier to come by though. But I will travel if I must to find a GT!

Subaru stopped making the GT at the end of 2012. You may be able to find a used one.

I know that. I was planning on buying used anyway. But if i can get a new 3.6r I will get it.

After searching for 2 months to find a new or low low low mileage GT, I saw the '13 changes and went with the 3.6R. I am happy with the decision.

That said, I definitely miss having a manual. This is my first auto-tragic car, so it took some adjusting too.

I'm pretty happy with my 3.6. The power is smooth and available even at 70mph I can effortlessly move to pass. Yeah its not as tuneable but there are some nice mods to make the handling more sporty. The interior is comfortable and on long drives I've been able to hit 29mpg in conservative driving.

I have been looking for a 4th gen GT for almsot a year now just when i finally find one that has potential it ends up being sold. Im very close to going with a new 3.6r just cuz im tired of looking even though i LOVE everything about the 4th Gen GT. Do you regret anything about going with the 3.6r?

Go GT

I have a 3.6r and love it but it's boring to own... If the cost difference isn't a concern and you enjoy driving manual definitely buy the GT.

If you aren't the type of person to modify a car the 3.6r has paddle shifters that make an automatic possible to love.

Reviews of the two cars actually found the GT to have the more linear power delivery (the turbo placement on the 5th gen essentially eliminates lag, so the car makes full torque from 2k up to over 5k rpm - it's not peaky like the 4th gen or the WRX) - I'd go with the GT over the 3.6R without question. (and I did!)

If you are looking for an automatic, then the 3.6R would be the one to get. The 3.6R engine is also larger - not much room to work in the engine compartment. It is a chain drive, though.

I'd wait to see what '14 brings - maybe the 2.0DIT with the CVT will make it to the US... that would be worth waiting for, even if it's not a manual.

If you are into upgrading, GT FTW!! If not, R is the choice.

GT is the only choice. 3.6 is great but the GT is fun. If you got arrested the 3.6 would be there to bail you out. The GT would be in the cell with you.
If you want a smooth, competent car go 3.6. If you want a fun car with tons of potential GT is it.

You either like to shift or not...6 speed all the way!

I love shifting, but the apparent "rarity" and markups of the 2012 GT were not worth it.