Really interesting read...mirrors my thoughts almost exactly on the car. What I really noticed was that no matter how 'soft' the car's suspension felt, it never, EVER was upset. An incredibly comfortable car and a feeling of safety/plantedness at all speeds.
really excited to read this one! --but ^^^ you left open the centre console in the Legacy for the photograph!!
As for fuel economy, my usual drives in the Corolla to Ithaca from Toronto net about 5.9-6.1L/100km (which is almost all 401, then I-90 (65mph limit), and then 55mph country roads). I did it in the Mazda6 and netted an almost equal 6.15L/100km (despite having more power/torque/weight). Seems like this Legacy 2.5i will do pretty close, but with AWD. Subaru's old reputation for sh!t fuel consumption seems to have been addressed well.