2006 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 3 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, 2006 Hyundai Sonata (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (154 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 45 kg more than 2006 Hyundai Sonata.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Hyundai Sonata. 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, both vehicles can yield 219 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 2006 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2006 Hyundai Sonata 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:
| 2006 Hyundai Sonata | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Hyundai | Subaru |
| Model | Sonata | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2358 cc | 2455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 219 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 64 L |
