2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1998 BMW 320
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 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 (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 4 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. 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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1998 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 63 L |
