2005 Alpina B3 vs. 1990 BMW 316
To start off, 2005 Alpina B3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alpina B3 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 2005 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alpina B3 | 1990 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
