2009 Mercedes-Benz ML vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Touareg would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. (180 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg.
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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML. 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Touareg has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | ML | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 100 L |
