2008 Ford S-Max vs. 1998 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2008 Ford S-Max is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Subaru Impreza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Subaru Impreza would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Ford S-Max is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford S-Max (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1998 Subaru Impreza. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford S-Max should accelerate faster than 1998 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 676 kg more than 1998 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford S-Max. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2008 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Subaru Impreza. (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Subaru Impreza.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 1998 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | S-Max | Impreza |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2530 mm |
