2004 Alpina B3 vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Alpina B3 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2004 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2004 Alpina B3. 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alpina B3. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 92 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 | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
