2009 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (415 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 BMW M3. (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2009 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (539 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1793 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
