2012 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2013 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2013 Subaru Outback is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 3,600 cc (16 cylinders), 2013 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Subaru Outback (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Subaru Outback weights approximately 418 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 Subaru Outback is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Subaru Outback 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, 2013 Subaru Outback (335 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. 2013 Subaru Outback has automatic transmission and 2012 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Subaru Outback will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | 2013 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Subaru |
| Model | A | Outback |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1699 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 16 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1658 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 2050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2740 mm |
