2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (137 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 435 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 2004 Mazda 3. 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 (188 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 3 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
