2005 BMW 545 vs. 2011 Alpina B3
To start off, 2011 Alpina B3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 545 would be higher. At 4,390 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B3 (355 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2005 BMW 545. (326 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 545. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 545 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2011 Alpina B3.
Because 2011 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 BMW 545. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Alpina B3 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 545. (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 545. 2011 Alpina B3 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 545 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 545 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Alpina B3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 545 | 2011 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 545 | B3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4390 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2730 mm |
