2001 Alpina B3 vs. 1984 BMW 323
To start off, 2001 Alpina B3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 323 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alpina B3 (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1984 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alpina B3 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1984 BMW 323. 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, 2001 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 1984 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 323 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2314 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
