2000 Alpina B3 vs. 1997 BMW Z3
To start off, 2000 Alpina B3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2000 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alpina B3 weights approximately 252 kg more than 1997 BMW Z3.
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, 2000 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW Z3. (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2000 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alpina B3 | 1997 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 3245 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 333 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
