2009 Alpina B7 vs. 1998 BMW Z3
To start off, 2009 Alpina B7 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B7 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (240 HP @ 7400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B7 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1998 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 B7 (700 Nm) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (320 Nm). This means 2009 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Z3. 2009 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B7 | 1998 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B7 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2450 mm |
