2001 Alpina B3 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 2001 Alpina B3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 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 180 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alpina B3 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 63 L |
