2008 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (232 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 869 kg more than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. (304 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Hyundai Sonata. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 2008 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2008 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Sonata | 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Sonata | GL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3342 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1646 kg | 2515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
