2003 BMW M3 vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 608 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 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (191 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1995 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 53 L |
