2005 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 130 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | E | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
