2008 BMW X3 vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (390 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 156 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
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 Ford Mustang (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | X3 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 390 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 59 L |
