2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (162 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 447 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Subaru Legacy (226 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Subaru Legacy | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.5 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 45 L |
