2001 BMW 318 vs. 2010 Alpina B3
To start off, 2010 Alpina B3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alpina B3 (355 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alpina B3 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2001 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 BMW 318. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B3 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, 2010 Alpina B3 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2010 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2010 Alpina B3 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Alpina B3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2010 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 318 | B3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
