2012 Subaru Legacy vs. 2012 Honda Accord The difference is standard AWD and a balanced engine
When you think of family midsize cars you probably think of  the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Sonata, but probably not the Subaru  Legacy. Subaru doesn't sell as many vehicles as the competitors, but they  do provide a much greater value for the money. The midsized Subaru Legacy  offers standard Symmetrical AWD, a feature not even optional on any of Subaru's  competitors. If you live in New England, Canada or New York, you know the  value of an AWD vehicle, but probably didn't know you could get it on a  midsize car for around $20,000. Did you know that all Subaru's were named  as an IIHS Top Safety Pick, something Honda, Toyota and Hyundai can't claim?  Learn why the 2012 Subaru Legacy is the best affordable, safe and fun to  drive midsize car on the market.

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Both the Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord have fuel efficient and powerful 4 and 6-cylinder engines. However, the Subaru's Boxer engine allows it to remain balanced and send power to all four wheels, all the time, using Symmetrical AWD. Symmetrical AWD provides excellent stability during harsh driving conditions, whether snowy, off-road and rainy conditions, Subaru has you covered. The Accord doesn't even have an option for AWD. When it comes to driving you and your family in the safest vehicle, the Subaru Legacy with standard AWD has you covered.

Engine - Design Matters

The Subaru Legacy and Honda Accord both come with your choice of a 4 or 6-cyinder engine. However, the Subaru Legacy has the option for a 2.5-liter turbo charged engine that is similar to our sporty Subaru WRX engine. The 2.5GT offers sports car like acceleration and driving experience that is better driven than read about. You won't find a sporty turbo-charged engine on the Accord. If you are looking to get away from the bland and ordinary, come test-drive the 265hp 2.5GT. However, the 4-cylinder Boxer engine delivers 170hp, while the 6-cylinder maxes out at 256hp. Both offer an excellent and exciting driving experience.

The Subaru Boxer engine is called a "flat" engine because of the design. The lower center of gravity and balanced design give the Legacy better handling and a more dynamic driving experience. The Boxer engine is only found in Subaru and Porsche vehicles. The engine is called a "Boxer" because the pistons move from side to side, much like two boxers punching. This creates less wear and tear on the engine and a smoother ride experience.

Interior and Exterior - Refined styling and up market appeal

If you just thought Subaru's were great in the snow and in troublesome road conditions, think again. The Legacy comes equipped with upscale amenities such as a moonroof, 8" touch screen media hub with navigation, rear view back-up camera, 9-speaker stereo with sub-woofer, Bluetooth hands free phone and audio and much more. The exterior has elegant slopes and curves that stand out from the crowd, but are not too risqué that they will go out of style anytime soon. So whether you're looking for an upscale midsize, or a base model economy vehicle, Subaru has a Legacy for you.

 

What the critics say... "Snowbelt drivers will appreciate its standard all-wheel drive, which few competitors offer. Subaru calls the Legacy a response to what its customers wanted - durability, value and performance, with a bit more cabin room. Those customers ought to be happy: The Legacy is all that, and it should continue to serve as a mildly unconventional alternative for buyers who equate Accord or Camry ownership with a voyage of the bland." Cars.com

2011 Subaru Legacy vs. the Competition

Features	2011 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium	2011 Honda Accord LX Premium	2011 Mazda6 i Touring	2011 Ford Fusion SE	2011 Nissan Altima 2.5 S
All Wheel Drive	Yes	No	No	No	No
City/HWY MPG	23 city/31 hwy	23 city/34 hwy	21 city/30 hwy	23 city/33 hwy	23 city/32 hwy
2011 IIHS Top Safety Pick	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
Available harman/kardon 9-Speaker Premium Audio System	Yes	No	No	No	No
10-Way Power Driver's Seat	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
Available Heated Front Seats	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
Aluminum Alloy Wheels	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Transmission Paddle Shifters	Yes	No	No	No	No
Stability and Traction Control	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Passenger/Cargo Volume	103/14.7 cubic ft.	106/14 cubic ft.	101.9/16.6 cubic ft.	100.3/16.5 cubic ft.	100.7/15.3 cubic ft.
MSRP	$21,995	$22,980	$22,635	$22,250	$22,060