2008 Audi A3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2008 Audi A3 is newer by 2 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 3,196 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi A3 (250 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. (221 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 999 kg more than 2008 Audi A3.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Audi | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A3 | GL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3196 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 2454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
