GT/Spec.B/TbSTi - what are the stock differences?

[Monkey]

If your still looking for an excellent GT Spec B, my old mans one is for sale. Check the for sale threads. In sydney too.

There are quite a few differences between the sti and spec B, but you are also paying quite a lot more.

Old thread I know, but for anyone contemplating a purchase...

New the tbSTIs were approx 20% more (and possibly not worth the extra $?), but now they are only about 10% (ie. $2-3k) more and in my opinion definitely worth the extra $ not just in terms of resale, but also because most Spec B owners end up spending more $$$ upgrading brakes, suspension, sway bars, exhaust, tuning and adding the STI lip. My tbSTI is stock (except for cat back exhaust) and I love the way it looks and drives.
Of course, a fussy prospective buyer may have to be patient to find the right one - took me 5 months of scouring the web everyday to find mine.

Depends Monkey in my opinion the spec B is harder to find in looked after condition. As for the differences there is not much really and best thing is the spec b remains stealth with all the good trimmings the post lift has. Spec b is more grown up with power to surprise

There's about 7 times as many non-tbSTI Spec B Liberties so unlikely a good condition one would be harder to find (Carsales currently showing 21 vs 150 for sale). I came across many in perfect condition with low kms before buying mine.
And I disagree with your comment about looking stealth or grown up, unless you are referring to the Spec B 3.0R (H6) which doesn't have the bonnet scoop. I was referring to a Spec B GT vs tbSTI.

Re: "As for the differences there is not much really", to quote an earlier post in this thread:
"STi Got Brembos, Enkei wheels, Pink springs, bilstein shocks, Strut brace, STi mufflers, STi Tuned ECU for a boost in power and the front lip. As well as the interior accents. So quite a bit more than the GT Spec B."
By my count, approx 11 differences including interior (embossed logo on seats; red stitching) and build number on engine cover. The MY08 models also had the STI logo on the dashboard and gear knob (= 13 differences)

Both are excellent cars, but I'm suggesting the latter is worth the extra $2-3k now if you can afford it. Probably not worth the $10k+ premium when new though.

[Newbie GT]

Depends Monkey in my opinion the spec B is harder to find in looked after condition. As for the differences there is not much really and best thing is the spec b remains stealth with all the good trimmings the post lift has. Spec b is more grown up with power to surprise [/quote]

There's about 7 times as many non-tbSTI Spec B Liberties so unlikely a good condition one would be harder to find (Carsales currently showing 21 vs 150 for sale). I came across many in perfect condition with low kms before buying mine.
And I disagree with your comment about looking stealth or grown up, unless you are referring to the Spec B 3.0R (H6) which doesn't have the bonnet scoop. I was referring to a Spec B GT vs tbSTI.

Re: "As for the differences there is not much really", to quote an earlier post in this thread:
"STi Got Brembos, Enkei wheels, Pink springs, bilstein shocks, Strut brace, STi mufflers, STi Tuned ECU for a boost in power and the front lip. As well as the interior accents. So quite a bit more than the GT Spec B."
By my count, approx 11 differences including interior (embossed logo on seats; red stitching) and build number on engine cover. The MY08 models also had the STI logo on the dashboard and gear knob (= 13 differences)

Both are excellent cars, but I'm suggesting the latter is worth the extra $2-3k now if you can afford it. Probably not worth the $10k+ premium when new though.[/quote]


All good points. There are differences but in the end nothing major engine etc the same , bilstiens etc. the spec b GT in my opinion is def more of a winner as it looks more classy and stealthy.

The sti version is nice too and looks nice just looks more racer. Both great cars !!

[Monkey]

the spec b GT in my opinion is def more of a winner as it looks more classy and stealthy

How is it more classy? Because it doesn't have the Brembo calipers or dual twin pipe exhausts (which many Spec B GT owners add anyway)?
Applying your logic, I guess a Commodore SS is "more of a winner" than a Clubsport or Senator?

Assuming the two are both stock & in comparable condition and kms, there would be no reason to buy the GT over the tbSTI except to save $.
And if the price difference is only a couple of grand it's worth spending the extra, unless you're cashed up and plan on upgrading everything anyway.

[Newbie GT]

the spec b GT in my opinion is def more of a winner as it looks more classy and stealthy

How is it more classy? Because it doesn't have the Brembo calipers or dual twin pipe exhausts (which many Spec B GT owners add anyway)?
Applying your logic, I guess a Commodore SS is "more of a winner" than a Clubsport or Senator?

Assuming the two are both stock & in comparable condition and kms, there would be no reason to buy the GT over the tbSTI except to save $.
And if the price difference is only a couple of grand it's worth spending the extra, unless you're cashed up and plan on upgrading everything anyway.

Just my opinion mate. Spec B post lift def the goods. Sti more racer I feel.
Leather seats in spec b with out the inserts and sti on them much better. Don't compare commodores this is completely diff

[Newbie GT]

You may be a bit bias too

[Caution]

non spec B GT's are way classier anyway.

[Kekotic]

non spec B GT's are way classier anyway.

Personally I think the 2.5i is the classiest because it has no racer parts.

[Caution]

non spec B GT's are way classier anyway.

Personally I think the 2.5i is the classiest because it has no racer parts.

that's true. you could do a sti conversion and have a perfect sleeper.

[kiahatsiu]

Pre faclift gt's have the best seats!

[Newbie GT]

After thinking about this the Spec B GT is in a class of its own compared to the Sti which may suit others better which therefore puts it into a different category, sure they are very similar but may suit peoples wants differently.

Obviously the Spec B is top of the line in "GT" form.

[Kekotic]

Obviously the Spec B is top of the line in "GT" form.

So what, the Subaru Liberty GT Tuned By STI is somehow not a GT in your mind?

[alessandro132]

Obviously the Spec B is top of the line in "GT" form.

So what, the Subaru Liberty GT Tuned By STI is somehow not a GT in your mind?

Newbie, you are such a noob

[kiahatsiu]

I don't understand, NewbieGT, how you can use so many words to say nothing. Sometimes I wonder if may two or three people are using the same log in, as it surely takes a team of idiots working around the clock to come up with some of this shit.

Ignore the haters. I genuinely do enjoy your responses, and you have sometimes impressed, like when you fitted your intake pipe ect.

Don't change man.


Ps. Pre facelifts still have the best seats.

[Newbie GT]

Obviously the Spec B is top of the line in "GT" form.

So what, the Subaru Liberty GT Tuned By STI is somehow not a GT in your mind?

Yes it is missed my point

[Monkey]

I don't understand, NewbieGT, how you can use so many words to say nothing. Sometimes I wonder if may two or three people are using the same log in, as it surely takes a team of idiots working around the clock to come up with some of this shit.

hahaha ..... I'm beginning to wonder if Newbie is actually one of the "experts" who has another login purely for amusement?