2007 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (641 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 2007 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 2007 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (821 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 455 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW M3. (366 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW M3. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M3 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 641 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 821 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 335 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
