1997 Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (137 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 15 kg more than 2003 Subaru Legacy. 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 1997 Nissan Maxima. 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 (186 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Maxima. (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Maxima. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1997 Nissan Maxima has manual transmission. 1997 Nissan Maxima 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 Nissan Maxima | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Nissan | Subaru |
| Model | Maxima | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
