2003 BMW X3 vs. 2006 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2006 Ford Explorer is newer by 3 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2003 BMW X3. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Explorer weights approximately 932 kg more than 2003 BMW X3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Ford Explorer. 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW X3 | 2006 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | X3 | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 2862 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.1 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 85 L |
