1996 Audi S6 vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Audi S6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Audi S6 would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Audi S6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi S6 (322 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2012 BMW X3. (256 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi S6 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1996 Audi S6.
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 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi S6. (400 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi S6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi S6 | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | S6 | X3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.6 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 67 L |
