2008 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. (302 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 321 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1891 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
