2008 Alpina B3 vs. 2009 BMW 550
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2008 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 42 kg more than 2008 Alpina B3. 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alpina B3. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alpina B3. 2009 BMW 550 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 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B3 | 2009 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 4799 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 264 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1662 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
