2012 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 2002 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (210 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2002 Nissan Altima. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2002 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1204 kg more than 2002 Nissan Altima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Nissan Altima. 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 298 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | 2002 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Nissan |
| Model | GL | Altima |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2500 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5098 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1989 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1839 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3076 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 76 L |
