2003 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (415 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 225 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (539 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| 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 | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1793 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
