2001 Alpina B3 vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 4 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 3,348 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2005 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2001 Alpina B3.
Because 2005 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Alpina B3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 will offer significantly more control. 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 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3348 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
