2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2005 Subaru Legacy is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,455 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Subaru Legacy (163 HP) has 59 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 284 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Subaru Legacy (226 Nm) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm). This means 2005 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2005 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2005 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 163 HP |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1400 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 64 L |
