1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Alpina B3
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 118 kg more than 2009 Alpina B3.
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, 2009 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2009 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 520 | B3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 271 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
