1996 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 690 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (459 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 540 | GL |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 335 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 2425 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5098 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1989 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1839 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3076 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |