1996 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (162 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 44 kg more than 2003 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 520. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Subaru Legacy (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | BMW | Subaru |
| Model | 520 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
