2007 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2012 Subaru Legacy is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda 3 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2012 Subaru Legacy. (170 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2012 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Subaru Legacy is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2007 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2007 Mazda 3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Subaru Legacy. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 3 | 2012 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 3 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1473 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
