2003 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1323 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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, 2009 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2009 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | BMW | Land Rover |
| Model | M3 | Defender |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 16 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |
