2009 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 1999 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 259 more horse power than 1999 Subaru Forester. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1999 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1445 kg more than 1999 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Subaru Forester. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Subaru Forester. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 1999 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 1999 Subaru Forester will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL | 1999 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | GL | Forester |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 382 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2530 mm |
