2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2001 BMW M
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M would be higher. At 3,344 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (325 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2003 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2003 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 270 kg more than 2001 BMW M.
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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2001 BMW M | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | M |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3344 cc | 3300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
