2009 Land Rover Defender vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Land Rover Defender. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Land Rover Defender would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK should accelerate faster than 2009 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 888 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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, 2009 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK. (349 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK has automatic transmission and 2009 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2009 Land Rover Defender will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Defender | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Defender | GLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2708 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1887 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2756 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 66 L |
