2009 Alpina B3 vs. 2007 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 120 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 153 more horse power than 2007 BMW 120. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B3 weights approximately 250 kg more than 2007 BMW 120. 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B3 | 2007 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3347 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 9.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
