1988 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2012 Subaru Legacy is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2012 Subaru Legacy. (148 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 358 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 2012 Subaru Legacy is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Subaru Legacy (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2012 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | M3 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1535 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
