2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 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 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (257 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (162 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda 3. 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 Mazda 3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 3 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2458 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
