2003 Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,934 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Legacy (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. (249 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 144 kg more than 2012 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2012 Subaru Legacy is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Ford Thunderbird (388 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Subaru Legacy. (335 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Thunderbird | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1601 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |
