2007 Subaru Legacy vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Subaru Legacy (242 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2007 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, 2007 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 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Subaru Legacy. (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Subaru Legacy. 2007 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Subaru Legacy | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Subaru | Mazda |
| Model | Legacy | 3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2184 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 | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
