2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Legacy (148 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 533 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 2012 Subaru Legacy is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2012 Subaru Legacy (350 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1535 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
