2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 5 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 3,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (276 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2003 Alpina B3.
Because 2003 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina B3. (335 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3300 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 254 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.6 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
