2005 BMW 320 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (210 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2005 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 980 kg more than 2005 BMW 320. 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 2005 BMW 320. 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 (542 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 320. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 320 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | GL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 2500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
