2008 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
