2001 Alpina B3 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 7 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 126 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alpina B3 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3348 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
