2002 Alpina B3 vs. 2009 BMW 118
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alpina B3 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alpina B3 weights approximately 97 kg more than 2009 BMW 118. 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, 2002 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alpina B3 | 2009 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 118 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 53 L |
