2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (187 HP @ 7100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 4 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
