2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,992 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (127 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 480 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. 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 1985 Volkswagen Golf. 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 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1985 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1985 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
