1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Subaru Impreza

To start off, 2011 Subaru Impreza is newer by 13 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 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 132 more horse power than 2011 Subaru Impreza. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 495 kg more than 2011 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2011 Subaru Impreza is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Impreza 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 (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Subaru Impreza. (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Subaru Impreza. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Subaru Impreza has manual transmission. 2011 Subaru Impreza 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 2011 Subaru Impreza
Make Mercedes-Benz Subaru
Model SL Impreza
Year Released 1998 2011
Body Type Convertible Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4966 cc 2500 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V boxer
Valves per Cylinder 3 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 302 HP 170 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 461 Nm 230 Nm
Torque RPM 2700 RPM 4400 RPM
Drive Type Rear AWD
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1890 kg 1395 kg
Vehicle Length 4510 mm 4415 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1740 mm
Vehicle Height 1300 mm 1476 mm
Wheelbase Size 2520 mm 2619 mm
Fuel Consumption Highway 9.6 L/100km 8.7 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 17.9 L/100km 11.8 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 80 L 64 L