2010 BMW X3 vs. 2011 BMW X5
To start off, 2011 BMW X5 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 BMW X3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 BMW X3 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X5 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2010 BMW X3. (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X5 weights approximately 620 kg more than 2010 BMW X3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are all wheel drive (AWD) - 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 BMW X5 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW X3. (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW X3. 2011 BMW X5 has automatic transmission and 2010 BMW X3 has manual transmission. 2010 BMW X3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 BMW X3 | 2011 BMW X5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | X3 | X5 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 2440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4569 mm | 4857 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1854 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1676 mm | 1776 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2797 mm | 2934 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 85 L |
