2008 Ford S-Max vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2008 Ford S-Max is newer by 5 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (242 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 273 kg more than 2003 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford S-Max. 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, 2008 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (297 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Legacy. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2008 Ford S-Max 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:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | S-Max | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
