1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 763 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. 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 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. 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 (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Trans Sport | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Trans Sport | GL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 2515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 3076 mm |
