2003 Alpina Roadster vs. 1992 BMW 850
To start off, 2003 Alpina Roadster is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1992 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina Roadster (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1992 BMW 850. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina Roadster should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 850 weights approximately 164 kg more than 2003 Alpina Roadster.
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, 1992 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina Roadster. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alpina Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina Roadster | 1992 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | Roadster | 850 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 52 L |
