2001 Alpina B3 vs. 1985 BMW M5
To start off, 2001 Alpina B3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alpina B3 (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1985 BMW M5. (256 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M5 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2001 Alpina B3.
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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW M5. (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 1985 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
