2003 BMW X3 vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW X3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW X3 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2003 BMW X3. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW X3 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2005 BMW 525.
Because 2003 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 X3 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW X3 | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | X3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.1 L/100km | 14.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
