1997 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2012 Subaru Legacy is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Legacy (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 310 kg more than 2012 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2012 Subaru Legacy is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Legacy 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 Legacy (335 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz S. 2012 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | S | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4775 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
