2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alpina B3 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 154 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 100 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, 2003 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (334 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1580 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 |
