1978 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S (157 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Subaru Forester. (145 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 60 kg more than 2012 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester 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, 2012 Subaru Forester (350 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | S | Forester |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 64 L |
