Car comparison

Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicvsBMW M3 (E36) 3.2

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison
VS

BMW M3 (E36)

3.2

321 hp3201 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1995-1998

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW M3 (E36) 3.2

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.5 s
  • Lightest
    1,460 kg
    3,219 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    220 hp/t
    164 kW/t
    4.5 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.0 L/100 km
    21.4 mpg US
    25.7 mpg UK
  • Best economy score
    77/100
  • Best practicality score
    76/100

Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic

  • Fastest top speed
    290 km/h
    180 mph Unrestricted
    280 km/h
    174 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    387 hp
    289 kW
  • Highest torque
    560 Nm
    413 lb-ft
  • Best estimated range
    798 km
    496 mi
  • Best overall score
    72/100
  • Best performance score
    71/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelAlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicBMWM3 (E36)3.2
Power
387hp289kW
321hp239kW
Torque
560Nm413lb-ft
350Nm258lb-ft
Curb weight
2,035kg4,486lb
1,460kg3,219lb
Gross weight
2,495kg5,501lb
1,950kg4,299lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
76.2s99% target: 287 km/h / 178 mph
Calculated
51.8s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.4s
5.5s
0-200 km/h
18.4s
Calculated
16.1s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.1s
Calculated
5.3s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.9L/100 km19.8mpg US23.7mpg UK
11L/100 km21.4mpg US25.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city-
16.9L/100 km13.9mpg US16.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway-
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.2s
Calculated
13.4s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
190hp/t142kW/t86hp/1000 lb
Calculated
220hp/t164kW/t100hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
275Nm/t184lb-ft/ton
Calculated
240Nm/t160lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
798km496mi
Calculated
564km350mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,646cc345cu in
3,201cc195cu in
Length
4,984mm196in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,862mm73in
1,696mm67in
Height
1,415mm56in
1,365mm54in
Wheelbase
2,930mm115in
2,710mm107in
Front track
1,552mm61in
1,422mm56in
Rear track
1,554mm61in
1,438mm57in
Trunk volume
500L
-
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
95L
62L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicBMW M3 (E36) 3.2PowerTorque
  • Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 (E36) 3.2: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic5,200 rpm4,100 rpm5,450 rpm
BMWM3 (E36)3.27,400 rpm3,250 rpm7,650 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricAlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicBMWM3 (E36)3.2
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.1 s
5.3 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.4 s
5.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
18.4 s
16.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.6 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.5 s
6.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.6 s
9.0 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.1 s
11.4 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.2 s
13.4 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
174 km/h
108 mph
183 km/h
113 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
387 hp
289 kW
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW

Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic has 66 hp more than BMW M3 (E36) 3.2.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 (E36) 3.2 and Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic: 66 hp (49 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
560 Nm
413 lb-ft
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
350 Nm
258 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
2,035 kg
4,486 lb
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
1,460 kg
3,219 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic6.4 s
BMWM3 (E36)3.25.5 s

Although Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic has more power, BMW M3 (E36) 3.2 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 (E36) 3.2 and Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic: 0.9 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 (E36) 3.2 and Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic: 0.9 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
190 hp/t
142 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
798 km
496 mi
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
564 km
350 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
387 hp
289 kW
6.4 s
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW
5.5 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
Power
387 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h6.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,984 mm
196.2 in
Height
1,415 mm
55.7 in
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk-
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,365 mm
53.7 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
Power
387 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h6.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK

Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
6.4 s
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
5.5 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
190 hp/t
142 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM3 (E36)3.2
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleAlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicBMWM3 (E36)3.2
Power
387 hp
289 kW
321 hp
239 kW
Torque
560 Nm
413 lb-ft
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.4 s
5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
2,035 kg
4,486 lb
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
Fuel consumption
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,984 mm
196.2 in
Height
1,415 mm
55.7 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk-
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,365 mm
53.7 in
Range score
798 km
496 mi
564 km
350 mi
Trunk score
500 L
17.7 cu ft
-
Power-to-weight score
190 hp/t
142 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleAlpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicBMW M3 (E36) 3.2
Consumption11.9 L/100 km19.8 mpg US23.7 mpg UK11 L/100 km21.4 mpg US25.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km20.83 LC100 km19.25 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi33.51 LC100 mi30.98 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,785 L472 US gal393 UK gal1,650 L436 US gal363 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,124 LC/year2,888 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic

  • Has 66 hp more
  • Has 210 Nm more
  • Has 25 km/h (16 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 235 km (146 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

BMW M3 (E36) 3.2

  • Is 575 kg lighter
  • Is 0.9 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 0.9 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 30 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
BMW M3 (E36) 3.2
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
S 600 V12
VS
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicvsMercedes-BenzS-class (W140)Facelift 1994S 600 V12
3.2
3.2
VS
BMWM3 (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
AMG E 50 V8
VS
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicvsMercedes-BenzE-class (W210)AMG E 50 V8
3.2
3.2
VS
BMWM3 (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 Convertible (E36)3.2
5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
S 600 V12
VS
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicvsMercedes-BenzS-class (W140)S 600 V12
3.2
3.2i 24V
VS
BMWM3 (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 Coupe (E46)3.2i 24V
5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
3.2 V8 32V
VS
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicvsMaseratiQuattroporte IV3.2 V8 32V
3.2
4.0 V8
VS
BMWM3 (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 (E90)4.0 V8
5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
4.2 V8 32V
VS
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicvsAUDIS8 (D2)4.2 V8 32V
3.2
3.2i 24V
VS
BMWM3 (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 Convertible (E46)3.2i 24V
5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
AMG E 60 V8
VS
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicvsMercedes-BenzE-class (W124)AMG E 60 V8
3.2
3.0
VS
BMWM3 (E36)3.2vsBMWM3 (F80)3.0
Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic vs BMW M3 (E36) 3.2 - car comparison - FastVsFaster