2003 BMW M3 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 440 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| 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 | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 780 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 332 km/hour |
| 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 | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 97 L |
