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, 2005 Subaru Legacy (242 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 130 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Subaru Legacy (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Subaru Legacy | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Subaru | Mazda |
| Model | Legacy | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | 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 | 242 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1300 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
