2004 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 23 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 BMW M3 (350 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. (240 Nm). This means 2004 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | E |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
