2009 Alpina B3 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Alpina B3 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 119 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 265 kg more than 2009 Alpina B3.
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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B3 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3347 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
