2003 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 4 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (288 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 350 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (365 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 12.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
