2008 BMW 318 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 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 520 kg more than 2008 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW 318. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 BMW X3 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
