2007 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2007 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 354 kg more than 2007 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW M3. (365 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M3 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 2009 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
