2008 Subaru Legacy vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Subaru Legacy is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Subaru Legacy (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 197 kg more than 2008 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2008 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Volkswagen Passat (326 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Subaru Legacy. (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Subaru Legacy | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2456 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 62 L |
