2008 BMW X3 vs. 2006 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Land Rover Defender. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Land Rover Defender would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2006 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 365 kg more than 2006 Land Rover Defender. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW X3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Land Rover Defender 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, both vehicles can yield 300 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2008 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 2006 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2006 Land Rover Defender 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 | 2006 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | BMW | Land Rover |
| Model | X3 | Defender |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 9 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.6 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 75 L |
