2008 Alpina B7 vs. 1996 BMW Z3
To start off, 2008 Alpina B7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B7 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 352 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (141 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B7 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. 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, 2008 Alpina B7 (700 Nm) has 520 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (180 Nm). This means 2008 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 2008 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B7 | 1996 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B7 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 186 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 63 L |
