1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester is newer by 16 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2012 Subaru Forester. (145 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 454 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 1996 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Subaru Forester. (350 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Subaru Forester. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2012 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2012 Subaru Forester 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 | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | S | Forester |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 470 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2004 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3150 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
