VS
At a Glance
Power
496hp @ 5500
271hp @ 5600
Torque
516lb-ft @ 2000
258lb-ft @ 2000
Fuel
22 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Engine
4.0 L/243ci
2.4 L/146ci
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers 496hp @ 5500 while the Subaru WRX produces 271hp @ 5600. On fuel, the S-Class returns 22 mpg est. while the WRX uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $119,550 for the S-Class and $39,995 for the WRX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Mercedes-Benz S-ClassMaybach S 580 4MATIC Sedan 2026 - From $119,550
Subaru WRXLimited CVT 2026 - From $39,995
Performance
Power Output (hp)
496hp @ 5500
271hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
516lb-ft @ 2000
258lb-ft @ 2000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.0 L/243ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
16mpg
18mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27mpg
25mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
20gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
215.3in
183.8in
Width (in)
75.6in
71.9in
Height (in)
59.4in
57.8in
Wheelbase (in)
133.7in
105.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5137lbs
3554lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
S-Class
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
WRX
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Subaru WRX
Lower starting price ($39,995)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S-Class or WRX?
The S-Class gets 22 mpg est. and the WRX gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The WRX is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the S-Class or WRX?
The S-Class produces 496hp @ 5500 and 516lb-ft @ 2000 of torque while the WRX delivers 271hp @ 5600 and 258lb-ft @ 2000 of torque. The S-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S-Class and WRX?
The S-Class starts from $119,550 and the WRX from $39,995. The WRX is cheaper by $79,555 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the S-Class or the WRX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider