2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 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 RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (162 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 123 kg more than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2003 Subaru Legacy (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | RX-8 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2458 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 64 L |
