2001 Audi A8 vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 11 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 3,695 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Audi A8 (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2012 BMW X3. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Audi A8 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2012 BMW X3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Audi A8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Audi A8. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Audi A8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A8 | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3695 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.1 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 67 L |
