2003 BMW M3 vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 14.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
