2008 Alpina B3 vs. 1998 BMW M
To start off, 2008 Alpina B3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW M would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 2008 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B3 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1998 BMW M.
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, 2008 Alpina B3 (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW M. (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW M.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B3 | 1998 BMW M | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | M |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
