2006 BMW X5 vs. 2008 BMW X3
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW X5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW X5 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW X5 (228 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (162 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2006 BMW X5.
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, 2008 BMW X3 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW X5. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW X5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW X5 | 2008 BMW X3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | X5 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.7 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 67 L |
