2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 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, 2003 Subaru Legacy (187 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 116 kg more than 2008 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 2008 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 (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Subaru Legacy | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
