1996 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 430 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Civic. 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 (343 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Honda | Subaru |
| Model | Civic | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
