2006 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW 530. 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, 2012 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | GL | 530 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
