1989 BMW 850 vs. 2010 Alpina B3
To start off, 2010 Alpina B3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alpina B3 (355 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1989 BMW 850. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alpina B3 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1989 BMW 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 BMW 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B3 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, 2010 Alpina B3 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 850. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2010 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 2010 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 850 | B3 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2730 mm |
