2004 Alpina B3 vs. 1987 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 Alpina B3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1987 BMW 320. (189 HP @ 6900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alpina B3 weights approximately 427 kg more than 1987 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, 2004 Alpina B3 (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2004 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 1987 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1218 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
