1997 Subaru Impreza vs. 2011 Mazda 5
To start off, 2011 Mazda 5 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Subaru Impreza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Subaru Impreza would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 5 (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1997 Subaru Impreza. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1997 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 5 weights approximately 563 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.
Because 1997 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mazda 5. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Subaru Impreza 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, 2011 Mazda 5 (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Subaru Impreza. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Subaru Impreza. 2011 Mazda 5 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. 2011 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Subaru Impreza | 2011 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Subaru | Mazda |
| Model | Impreza | 5 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1568 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2751 mm |
