2003 Audi A8 vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 9 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Audi A8 (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2012 BMW X3. (300 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Audi A8 weights approximately 25 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.
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 (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW X3. (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM). This means 2003 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Audi A8 | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4172 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 430 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 67 L |
