2003 BMW M3 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,438 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 661 kg more than 2003 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
