2003 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, both 2003 BMW M3 and 2003 Mercedes-Benz S were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 490 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 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
