Two models in Subaru's lineup have posed an intriguing question for car buyers for years: Do I go for a Legacy or an Outback?

At first glance, both models look identical. Both are all-wheel drive. And the prices aren't that terribly far apart, either.

But there are some interesting differences between the two models. After recently testing a 2005 Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Wagon, I concluded it was aimed more for the sportier crowd seeking something more than just a functional, weather-beating vehicle that both the Legacy and the Outback offer.

	Click photo for larger image. Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Wagon Price: $29,695; as tested, $31,470 Fuel mileage ratings: 19 mpg city/25 highway

First of all, the Legacy's acceleration pattern is almost explosive, thanks to a turbocharger that's missing in the Outback. There's a bit of a lag, and then the surroundings begin to swirl around you as the car takes off. If you get a five-speed manual, you can expect to see 60 in 6 seconds with the wagon, 5 with the sedan. If you choose an automatic, expect 60 in the low 7's.

The Outback's performance also is startling -- its sedan can hit 60 in less than six seconds. But without the turbocharger, the acceleration progression is smoother, less noticeable and not as dramatic even though both engines produce 250 horsepower.

That's exactly the way Subaru intends it. "Our Legacy is more like a sports sedan or wagon with all-wheel drive, and it's really meant for handling and not going off road," said Dominck Infante, a Subaru spokesman. "The Outback is definitely designed for more outdoor use and off-road appeal."

The Legacy has "much more sporty tires than the Outback, which are designed for mud, rain and just about anything. The Outback has about 8.7 inches more ground clearance than a Chevy TrailBlazer or Ford Explorer. When there's snowdrifts, this is especially important,'' Infante said.

The interior is vastly improved over the one belonging to the prior model. The leather is more substantial and the overall effect is European sophistication. LED lighting is used for the gauges, a feature that gives them an expensive look.

Driving this car allows you to enjoy some terrific handling. I moved through corners and curves with minimal body lean, and as I also said about the Outback, "The slightest tap on the pedal sent the engine zooming ahead of traffic on the parkway." Steering is lightning quick.

Overall, this is really a sports GT wagon that just happens to be able to haul people and cargo for you. It's not merely a "station wagon."

The Legacy has a few issues. The turbo performance needs to be smoothed out so you don't get quite so much of a jolt, which becomes irritating sometimes. I also found some of gauges, buttons and controls hard to read in some sunlit backgrounds.

But it was fun to drive.