2009 Alpina B5 vs. 1996 BMW Z3
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. 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 B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B5 | 1996 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B5 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
