2008 Audi S8 vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Audi S8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Audi S8 would be higher. At 5,204 cc (10 cylinders), 2008 Audi S8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi S8 (444 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 2012 BMW X3. (256 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi S8 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi S8 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2012 BMW X3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are all wheel drive (AWD) - 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, 2012 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Audi S8. (540 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Audi S8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi S8 | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | S8 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5204 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1881 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.4 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 67 L |
