2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,455 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (154 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 320 kg more than 1997 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 1997 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 (219 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2003 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 2003 Subaru Legacy will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Subaru Legacy | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2455 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
