2001 Audi A8 vs. 2003 BMW X3
To start off, 2003 BMW X3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Audi A8 would be higher. At 3,936 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Audi A8 (271 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2003 BMW X3. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Audi A8 weights approximately 700 kg more than 2003 BMW X3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2001 Audi A8 (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A8 | 2003 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3936 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2540 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 67 L |
