1997 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1997 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (154 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 185 kg more than 1997 Mazda RX-7.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mazda RX-7. 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, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (219 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Legacy. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda RX-7 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:
| 1997 Mazda RX-7 | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | RX-7 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2455 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2660 mm |
