2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 6 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (178 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2003 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Legacy. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | RX-8 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 64 L |
