2003 Alpina Roadster vs. 1998 BMW 320
To start off, 2003 Alpina Roadster is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 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 131 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina Roadster should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina Roadster weights approximately 126 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. 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 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320. 1998 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2003 Alpina Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Alpina Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina Roadster | 1998 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | Roadster | 320 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
