2006 Nissan Altima vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2006 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK should accelerate faster than 2006 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK weights approximately 290 kg more than 2006 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK (349 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Altima | 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK | |
| Make | Nissan | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Altima | GLK |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2491 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1887 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2756 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 66 L |
