2003 BMW 545 vs. 2008 BMW X3
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2003 BMW 545.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 BMW 545 (451 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 545 | 2008 BMW X3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 545 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
