2008 Ford S-Max vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford S-Max. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford S-Max would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Forester (170 HP) has 32 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (138 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 246 kg more than 2012 Subaru Forester.
Because 2012 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford S-Max. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester 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 @ 1750 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Subaru Forester. (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2008 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Subaru Forester. 2012 Subaru Forester has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2008 Ford S-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | S-Max | Forester |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1497 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
