2008 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL. (210 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 930 kg more than 2008 BMW M3.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Mercedes-Benz GL (542 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 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:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | GL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 2500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 100 L |
