1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1980 Subaru Rex
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Subaru Rex. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Subaru Rex would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 360 more horse power than 1980 Subaru Rex. (29 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Subaru Rex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1645 kg more than 1980 Subaru Rex. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 527 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Subaru Rex. (43 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Subaru Rex. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1980 Subaru Rex has manual transmission. 1980 Subaru Rex will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1980 Subaru Rex | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | S | Rex |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 43 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 1930 mm |
