2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 1996 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda S-MX 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 127 more horse power than 1996 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 130 kg more than 1996 Honda S-MX. 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 1996 Honda S-MX. 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 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda S-MX. (191 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Subaru Legacy | 1996 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Subaru | Honda |
| Model | Legacy | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
