2005 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW X3
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2005 BMW M3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2005 BMW M3 (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 2008 BMW X3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 12.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
