2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2004 BMW 525
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 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 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (193 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 344 kg more than 2004 BMW 525. 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 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2004 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
