1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy is newer by 5 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (242 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 265 kg more than 2003 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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, 2003 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 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Subaru Legacy. (297 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Subaru Legacy.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | SL | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 89.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.6 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.5 L/100km | 13.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
