2003 BMW X3 vs. 2011 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2011 Nissan Altima is newer by 8 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2003 BMW X3. (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW X3 weights approximately 328 kg more than 2011 Nissan Altima.
Because 2003 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Nissan Altima. 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, 2011 Nissan Altima (349 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW X3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW X3. 2003 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 2011 Nissan Altima has manual transmission. 2011 Nissan Altima 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 | 2011 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | X3 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2675 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 76 L |
