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 100 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (228 HP @ 5900 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 95 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 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (300 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 | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 10 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 | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 14.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
