2001 BMW 320 vs. 2008 BMW X3
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 235 kg more than 2001 BMW 320. 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, 2001 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW X3. 2001 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW X3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW X3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2008 BMW X3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
