2003 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 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 79 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 343 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M3 | SLK |
Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1795 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 300 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1785 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4860 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |