2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
