2003 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is newer by 9 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK weights approximately 465 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK will offer significantly more control. 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK. (349 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | GLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3500 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 | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1887 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2756 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
