2008 Subaru Legacy vs. 1996 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2008 Subaru Legacy is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Subaru Impreza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Subaru Impreza would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Subaru Legacy (245 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1996 Subaru Impreza. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1996 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 464 kg more than 1996 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Subaru Legacy (292 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Subaru Impreza. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Subaru Impreza. 2008 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1996 Subaru Impreza has manual transmission. 1996 Subaru Impreza will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Subaru Legacy | 1996 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Subaru | Subaru |
| Model | Legacy | Impreza |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1608 kg | 1144 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2530 mm |
