2006 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 165 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
2006 BMW M3 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M3 | S |
Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3245 cc | 3722 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 333 HP | 242 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 355 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1735 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5170 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3090 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |