2003 BMW M3 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 10 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 6,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (575 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 279 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 575 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 330 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2075 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1261 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
