2008 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Alpina B7
To start off, 2011 Alpina B7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2008 BMW M3. (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B7 weights approximately 570 kg more than 2008 BMW M3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B7 will offer significantly more control. 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 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3. 2011 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2011 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | M3 | B7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 2140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 82 L |
