2005 Subaru Legacy vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Subaru Legacy is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Subaru Legacy (124 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 4150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 60 kg more than 2005 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2005 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Subaru Legacy. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Subaru Legacy | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Passat |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
