2003 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 5 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 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (230 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M3 | SLK |
Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 342 HP | 0 HP |
Torque | 350 Nm | 230 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1365 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4090 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |