2003 BMW M3 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 114 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 305 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
