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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (242 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 315 kg more than 2003 Subaru Legacy.
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 (297 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 110 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. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 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:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 3 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
