1996 Subaru Legacy vs. 1997 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 1997 Subaru Impreza is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Subaru Legacy (155 HP) has 66 more horse power than 1997 Subaru Impreza. (89 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1997 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 266 kg more than 1997 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Subaru Legacy (210 Nm) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Subaru Impreza. (128 Nm). This means 1996 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Subaru Impreza. 1996 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1997 Subaru Impreza has manual transmission. 1997 Subaru Impreza will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Subaru Legacy | 1997 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Subaru | Subaru |
| Model | Legacy | Impreza |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 89 HP |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1144 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2530 mm |
