2008 BMW X3 vs. 2003 Cadillac XLR
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Cadillac XLR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Cadillac XLR would be higher. At 4,572 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Cadillac XLR (311 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 178 kg more than 2003 Cadillac XLR.
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, 2003 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW X3. 2008 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 2003 Cadillac XLR has manual transmission. 2003 Cadillac XLR will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 2003 Cadillac XLR | |
| Make | BMW | Cadillac |
| Model | X3 | XLR |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4572 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 64 L |
