2003 BMW M3 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 430 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 469 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| 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 | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4470 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 |
