2009 Alpina B3 vs. 1996 BMW 520
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,347 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B3 weights approximately 29 kg more than 1996 BMW 520. 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 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Alpina B3 | 1996 BMW 520 | |
Make | Alpina | BMW |
Model | B3 | 520 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3347 cc | 1990 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 301 HP | 150 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 362 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 66 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1496 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |