2009 Alpina B3 vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 3 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 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B3 (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2012 BMW 525. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 525 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2009 Alpina B3.
Because 2009 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 BMW 525. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alpina B3. (335 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B3 | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.7 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
