2009 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
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 SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
