In cars equipped with a manual transmission, like our GT Limited test vehicle, Subaru's all-wheel-drive system uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential. The system parses the power in an even 50/50 split between the front and rear wheels, shifting engine torque fore or aft as needed when slippage is detected.

In practice, a little winter weather driving is all it takes to endorse the benefits of AWD. In our northeastern test location, you don't have to wait too long for foul weather when the days turn cold and short, and when the Subaru arrived a six-inch burst of snow followed on its heels.

Wearing just its street shoes (all-season tires), the 2005 Subaru Legacy GT proved surefooted as it traversed the slushy roads in the plow's wake. The added grip of a set of four snow tires would improve stopping more than going, and a Legacy so shod would be an even more formidable winter driver. On days when the pavement was dry, we found that the GT demonstrated balanced handling, impressive road feel, and a comfortable, trip-worthy ride quality.

Photos: © Dan Lyons 2005