1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2005 Subaru Legacy

To start off, 2005 Subaru Legacy is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2005 Subaru Legacy. (124 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 491 kg more than 2005 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2005 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Subaru Legacy. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Subaru Legacy. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2005 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 2005 Subaru Legacy will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1998 Mercedes-Benz S 2005 Subaru Legacy
Make Mercedes-Benz Subaru
Model S Legacy
Year Released 1998 2005
Body Type Sedan Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3199 cc 1994 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V boxer
Valves per Cylinder 3 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 221 HP 124 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 315 Nm 176 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 89.9 mm 92 mm
Engine Stroke Size 84 mm 75 mm
Drive Type Rear 4WD
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1806 kg 1315 kg
Vehicle Length 5160 mm 4670 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1700 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1500 mm
Wheelbase Size 2830 mm 2680 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 88 L 64 L