2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy

To start off, 2008 Hyundai Sonata 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 3,342 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (232 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (162 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 246 kg more than 2003 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 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, 2008 Hyundai Sonata (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (226 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Sonata 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 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2008 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:

2008 Hyundai Sonata 2003 Subaru Legacy
Make Hyundai Subaru
Model Sonata Legacy
Year Released 2008 2003
Body Type Sedan Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3342 cc 2457 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V boxer
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 232 HP 162 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 304 Nm 226 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 4400 RPM
Engine Bore Size 92.1 mm 99.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 83.8 mm 79 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.4:1 10.0:1
Drive Type Front 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1646 kg 1400 kg
Vehicle Length 4810 mm 4730 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 1740 mm
Vehicle Height 1480 mm 1480 mm
Wheelbase Size 2740 mm 2680 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 10.1 L/100km 8.5 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 64 L