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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2009 BMW M3. (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 431 kg more than 2009 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 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 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.6 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
