2006 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (302 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1595 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL (700 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 614 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Polo. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Polo has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Polo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | GL | Polo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2550 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2410 mm |
