2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Subaru Legacy

To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 124 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 123 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Because 2005 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Subaru Legacy (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata 2005 Subaru Legacy
Make Mazda Subaru
Model MX-5 Miata Legacy
Year Released 2008 2005
Body Type Convertible Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1798 cc 1994 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line boxer
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 124 HP 124 HP
Engine RPM 6500 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 167 Nm 176 Nm
Torque RPM 4500 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 83 mm 92 mm
Engine Stroke Size 83.1 mm 75 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Rear 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1192 kg 1315 kg
Vehicle Length 4000 mm 4670 mm
Vehicle Width 1730 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1260 mm 1500 mm
Wheelbase Size 2340 mm 2680 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 L 64 L