2005 Subaru Legacy vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2005 Subaru Legacy. (124 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 15 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2005 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda 3. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Subaru Legacy. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Subaru Legacy | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Subaru | Mazda |
| Model | Legacy | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
