1997 Subaru Legacy vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 1997 Subaru Legacy. (114 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1997 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 540 kg more than 1997 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Subaru Legacy. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Subaru Legacy. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1997 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 1997 Subaru Legacy will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Subaru Legacy | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Subaru | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Legacy | CLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1417 mm |
