2008 Alpina B3 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 4 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, 2012 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster 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, 2012 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alpina B3. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alpina B3. 2012 BMW 535 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. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B3 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 264 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
