2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 1978 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 600 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. 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 1978 Toyota Tercel. 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 (343 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Tercel has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Tercel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Subaru Legacy | 1978 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Subaru | Toyota |
| Model | Legacy | Tercel |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
