1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1983 Subaru Leone
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Subaru Leone. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Subaru Leone would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1983 Subaru Leone. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Subaru Leone. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1070 kg more than 1983 Subaru Leone. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Subaru Leone, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 361 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Subaru Leone. (100 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Subaru Leone. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1983 Subaru Leone has manual transmission. 1983 Subaru Leone will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1983 Subaru Leone | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | SL | Leone |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 3870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2390 mm |
