2008 BMW X3 vs. 2011 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2011 Land Rover Defender is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW X3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW X3 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2011 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1193 kg more than 2008 BMW X3.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - 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, 2011 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW X3. (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 2011 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | BMW | Land Rover |
| Model | X3 | Defender |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 2030 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 24.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 75 L |
