2008 BMW M3 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 2 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2010 Mercedes-Benz S. (295 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 336 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz S (385 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3. 2010 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1991 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
