2001 Alpina B3 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alpina B3 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 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alpina B3 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2004 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 63 L |
