2001 BMW 320 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 would be higher. At 4,662 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 960 kg more than 2001 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 BMW 320. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320. 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | GL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 7.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 2430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.6 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 13.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
