2006 BMW M3 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2006 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 50 kg more than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 SL (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2585 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
