2003 BMW 530 vs. 2011 BMW X3
To start off, 2011 BMW X3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 530 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X3 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2003 BMW 530. (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X3 weights approximately 245 kg more than 2003 BMW 530. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW 530. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 BMW 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW X3. (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW X3. 2011 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2011 BMW X3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1661 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2807 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
