2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 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 2,455 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (154 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 410 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 (219 Nm) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 Nm). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 64 L |
