2003 Subaru Legacy vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 9 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (162 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 238 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 2012 Lexus IS. 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, 2012 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (226 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Legacy. 2012 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2003 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 2003 Subaru Legacy will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Subaru Legacy | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Subaru | Lexus |
| Model | Legacy | IS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 65 L |
