2008 BMW M3 vs. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 260 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
