2001 Alpina B3 vs. 2009 Alpina B5
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 8 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2001 Alpina B3. (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2001 Alpina B3. 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, 2009 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 2009 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | Alpina | Alpina |
| Model | B3 | B5 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
