2003 Audi A8 vs. 2006 BMW X3
To start off, 2006 BMW X3 is newer by 3 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW X3 (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2003 Audi A8. (216 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW X3 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2003 Audi A8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Audi A8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2003 Audi A8 (300 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW X3. (291 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 2006 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2974 cc | 2983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 67 L |
