1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2001 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2001 Subaru Legacy is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2001 Subaru Legacy. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 515 kg more than 2001 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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 SL (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Subaru Legacy. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Subaru Legacy. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2001 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 2001 Subaru Legacy 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 | 2001 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | SL | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3197 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 123 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 | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2640 mm |
