2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Subaru Legacy (242 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 345 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Subaru Legacy (297 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2006 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 3 | Legacy |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2258 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
