2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (270 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (162 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 483 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.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (226 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
