2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (187 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 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 (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2003 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 2003 Subaru Legacy will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | RX-8 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
