2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2006 Subaru Legacy is newer by 3 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 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Subaru Legacy (163 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 274 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 2006 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, 2006 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, 2006 Subaru Legacy (187 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2006 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1992 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 |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.7 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 64 L |
