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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 80 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, both vehicles can yield 350 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
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 | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 5.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
