2009 Audi A8 vs. 2003 BMW X3
To start off, 2009 Audi A8 is newer by 6 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 4,163 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A8 (350 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2003 BMW X3. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2003 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, 2009 Audi A8 (442 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW X3. (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A8 | 2003 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A8 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4163 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 | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 442 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 67 L |
