2009 Alpina B3 vs. 2008 BMW 118
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 118. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 118 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 2008 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B3 weights approximately 222 kg more than 2008 BMW 118. 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 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 118. (181 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 118. 2008 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 2009 Alpina B3 has manual transmission. 2009 Alpina B3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B3 | 2008 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 118 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 271 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 12.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
