2006 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 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 79 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. (256 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 580 kg more than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 159. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 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:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 159 | GL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3195 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 2425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.5 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.9 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
