2012 Mercedes-Benz GL vs. 2013 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL would be higher. At 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1013 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. 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 2013 Volkswagen GTI. 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 (459 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen GTI. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen GTI 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:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | 2013 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | GL | GTI |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4700 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 459 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2425 kg | 1412 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5098 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1989 mm | 1779 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1839 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3076 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
