2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (178 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 65 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 2006 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Legacy. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Subaru Legacy | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
