That's great news, Tom.
RedRex -
The only Subarus I have access to are junky RHD late nineties Leggys, so comparisons there are difficult.
And it's been awhile since my car was stock, but I've driven the R56 and they are nice. The fatter torque curve at lower RPMs was apparent. The new powerplant with all the gizmos, twin-scroll turbo, direct injection, etc., is definitely cool and the aftermarket is now catching up. The R53 on the flipside has the proven reliable 1.6l cast iron block found in old Euro Neons. If you're modding, either one can comfortably hit the limits of FWD power-wise with bolt-ons, so basically you're talking improved economy with the newer car.
The R56 is the more comfortable car and loses perhaps 2/10ths of the visceral quality of the R53 in driver feedback, toss-ability, "go-kart-ness." The R56 felt more like the new GTI than my R53. It's the same progression seen everywhere... GTI, Civic Si - Each generation gets slightly more refined, slightly tamer, more mass appeal to the howls of the original enthusiasts. Preference between the two is a matter of opinion, the R56 is probably the "better car" in sum, but with resale values and depending on what you're looking for, the R53 is still a great car. If R56 is within budget, test 'em both.
Sounds like you've done the research tho. Try to find an '05-06 with the improved gearing and miscellaneous improvements which are worth it. LSD is good to have. The sunroof option adds 90lbs to the top of the car = avoid. There are various maintenance items at 100k or thereabouts, which I'm just starting to address. The Eaton S/Cs themselves are only "rated" at 100k miles but seem to go much longer on average. I can talk about R53s till I'm blue in the face so feel free to PM.
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