2003 BMW M3 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 7 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. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 70 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 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (299 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 299 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
