2011 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Nissan Pathfinder would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 375 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Pathfinder | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Pathfinder | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4884 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1834 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
