2005 Alpina B3 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Alpina B3 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) has 126 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alpina B3 weights approximately 670 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alpina B3 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
