2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1988 BMW M3
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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 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 109 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (192 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 704 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. 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, 2003 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (230 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2302 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
