2003 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 6 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 605 kg more than 2003 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (701 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 701 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 4.7 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 | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
