2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 50 kg more than 2003 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (343 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 78.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 62 L |
