2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2012 Subaru Legacy is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Legacy (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2003 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 356 kg more than 2012 Subaru Legacy.
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, both vehicles can yield 335 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2012 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 2012 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Explorer | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4014 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1583 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
