2009 Subaru Legacy vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Subaru Legacy is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2009 Subaru Legacy. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 297 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2009 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Subaru Legacy. (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Subaru Legacy. 2004 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2009 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 2009 Subaru Legacy will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Subaru Legacy | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Legacy | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2457 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1633 kg | 1336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
