1998 Alpina B 10 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alpina B 10. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alpina B 10 would be higher. At 4,619 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Alpina B 10 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1998 Alpina B 10. (342 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alpina B 10. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alpina B 10 weights approximately 372 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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, 1998 Alpina B 10 (490 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1998 Alpina B 10 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alpina B 10 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B 10 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4619 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
