2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1992 BMW 850
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1992 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1992 BMW 850. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1992 BMW 850. 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, 1992 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1992 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 52 L |
