2009 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL. (383 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2007 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 12.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
