2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (137 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 218 kg more than 2003 Subaru Legacy. 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 2004 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (186 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Subaru Legacy | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1992 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 62 L |
