2001 BMW 320 vs. 2008 Alpina B3
To start off, 2008 Alpina B3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 128 kg more than 2008 Alpina B3.
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, 2008 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 320. (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 320. 2008 Alpina B3 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Alpina B3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2008 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 320 | B3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 93.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 271 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
