2003 BMW X3 vs. 2006 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2006 Land Rover Defender 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 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW X3 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2006 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW X3 weights approximately 440 kg more than 2006 Land Rover Defender. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2006 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW X3. 2003 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 2006 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2006 Land Rover Defender will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW X3 | 2006 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | BMW | Land Rover |
| Model | X3 | Defender |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 9 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 75 L |
