2008 BMW X5 vs. 2003 BMW X3
To start off, 2008 BMW X5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW X3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW X3 would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X5 (350 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2003 BMW X3. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW X3 weights approximately 376 kg more than 2008 BMW X5.
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, 2008 BMW X5 (475 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW X3. (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X5 | 2003 BMW X3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | X5 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 67 L |
