2003 BMW 520 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 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW X3 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. 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 BMW 520. 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, 2006 BMW X3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2006 BMW X3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
