1997 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 2009 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2009 Subaru Legacy is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Legacy (163 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 220 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Subaru Legacy (187 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2009 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Subaru |
| Model | Cavalier | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2189 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 64 L |
