2003 BMW M3 vs. 1994 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mercedes-Benz S 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 152 more horse power than 1994 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1994 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 511 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1994 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 73.5 mm |
| 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 | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
