Subaru Legacy I (BC) 1800 (103 Hp) AWD Automatic


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Subaru Legacy:

The Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car built by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru from 1989 to 2025. The maker's flagship car, it is unique in its class for offering all-wheel drive as a standard feature, and Subaru's traditional boxer engine.
In 1996, a variant of the Legacy with heightened suspension called the Legacy Outback was introduced to compete in the burgeoning sport-utility vehicle class, and proved to be a sales success for Subaru. The Outback line was split into its own model in 2008, known as the Subaru Outback....(Read more on Wikipedia)

I (BC) Overview:

Subaru Legacy (I (BC)). With 147 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1150 kg, it’s quite light. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.7 s). The top speed reaches 172 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

1800 (103 Hp) AWD Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Entry-level performance, adequate for city driving but can feel underpowered on highways or with a full load. Acceleration is modest (0-100 km/h in 11.7 seconds).

Fuel Economy

Surprisingly, fuel economy is slightly worse than the 2.2L automatic, at 10.5 l/100 km (22.4 MPG US), likely due to the smaller engine working harder.

Best Use Case: Urban commuting, budget-conscious buyers, and drivers who prioritize ease of use over performance.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for superior traction and handling.
  • • Reliable and durable Boxer engines (EJ-series).
  • • Spacious interior and practical trunk capacity for its class.
  • • Comfortable ride quality, suitable for long journeys.

Cons:

  • • Fuel economy can be average, especially with the automatic transmission and larger engines.
  • • Interior design and materials are dated by modern standards.
  • • Limited power in base 1.8L models, particularly with the automatic gearbox.
  • • Lack of modern safety features and no Euro NCAP rating.

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Subaru
Model:Legacy
Generation:I (BC)
Modification (Engine):1800 (103 Hp) AWD Automatic
Start of production:1989
End of production:1991
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:103 Hp @ 6000 rpm.
Power per litre:56.6 Hp/l
Torque:147 Nm @ 3200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:EJ18
Engine displacement:1820
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Boxer
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:6.4 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:87.9 mm mm
Piston Stroke:75 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10.5 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:11.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11.7 sec
Maximum speed:172 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11.2 kg/Hp, 89.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.8 kg/Nm, 127.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:11.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1150
Max. weight:1870
Max load:720
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:630 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:405 l
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4510 mm mm
Width:1690 mm mm
Height:1385 mm mm
Wheelbase:2580 mm mm
Front track:1475 mm
Rear (Back) track:1460 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.1 m
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/70 SR14
Wheel rims size6J x 14
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionSeveral levers and rods

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Subaru Legacy?