2012 BMW M3 vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, both 2012 BMW M3 and 2012 BMW X3 were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2012 BMW X3. (256 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2012 BMW X3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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, 2012 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW M3 | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | X3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1885 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4615 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1803 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1392 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2761 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.7 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.6 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
