2006 Alpina B3 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Alpina B3 would be higher. At 3,347 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2012 BMW 320. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alpina B3 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 BMW 320 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alpina B3. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alpina B3 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3347 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 57 L |
