1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2009 Subaru Forester is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (228 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2009 Subaru Forester. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 461 kg more than 2009 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Subaru Forester. (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2009 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | S | Forester |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 2456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
