2008 Alpina B3 vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 3 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2008 Alpina B3. (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 525 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.
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 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alpina B3. (335 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B3 | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
