2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1996 BMW 545
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1996 BMW 545. (282 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 545. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 200 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, 1996 BMW 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1996 BMW 545 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 545 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
