1996 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Alpina B5
To start off, 2011 Alpina B5 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B5 weights approximately 178 kg more than 1996 BMW M3. 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, 2011 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2011 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | M3 | B5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
