2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 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 5 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 35 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
