2009 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. (241 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
