2003 Audi A8 vs. 2005 BMW X5
To start off, 2005 BMW X5 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Audi A8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Audi A8 would be higher. At 3,936 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Audi A8 (276 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2005 BMW X5. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW X5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW X5 weights approximately 290 kg more than 2003 Audi A8.
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, 2003 Audi A8 (650 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW X5. (520 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW X5. 2003 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW X5 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW X5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 2005 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | X5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3936 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 520 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 2170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 93 L |
