2003 Alpina Roadster vs. 1988 BMW M3
To start off, 2003 Alpina Roadster is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina Roadster (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina Roadster should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina Roadster weights approximately 426 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. 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 Roadster (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina Roadster | 1988 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | Roadster | M3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2303 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
