1991 BMW 518 vs. 2009 Alpina B3
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 518 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 187 more horse power than 1991 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B3 weights approximately 292 kg more than 1991 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 518. 2009 Alpina B3 has automatic transmission and 1991 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1991 BMW 518 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Alpina B3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 518 | 2009 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 518 | B3 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 93.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2730 mm |
