2008 Alpina B3 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alpina B3 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 73 kg more than 2008 Alpina B3.
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 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2008 Alpina B3 has manual transmission. 2008 Alpina B3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B3 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 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 | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 53 L |
