1988 BMW 316 vs. 1997 Alpina B 10
To start off, 1997 Alpina B 10 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 316 would be higher. At 4,619 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Alpina B 10 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alpina B 10 (340 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alpina B 10 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1997 Alpina B 10.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1997 Alpina B 10 (471 Nm) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm). This means 1997 Alpina B 10 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1997 Alpina B 10 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 316 | B 10 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4619 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3080 mm |
