Car comparison

Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24VvsBMW 7 Series (E38) 740i

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

New comparison

Alpina B3 (E36)

3.2 i 24V

265 hp3152 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1996-1999
VS

BMW 7 Series (E38)

740i

286 hp4398 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1996-1998

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.9 s
  • Fastest top speed
    270 km/h
    168 mph Unrestricted
    260 km/h
    162 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,330 kg
    2,932 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    199 hp/t
    149 kW/t
    5.0 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.3 L/100 km
    25.3 mpg US
    30.4 mpg UK
  • Best overall score
    66/100
  • Best performance score
    63/100
  • Best economy score
    82/100

BMW 7 Series (E38) 740i

  • Most powerful
    286 hp
    213 kW
  • Highest torque
    420 Nm
    310 lb-ft
  • Best estimated range
    680 km
    423 mi
  • Largest trunk
    500 L
  • Best practicality score
    76/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelAlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24VBMW7 Series (E38)740i
Power
265hp198kW
286hp213kW
Torque
330Nm243lb-ft
420Nm310lb-ft
Curb weight
1,330kg2,932lb
1,800kg3,968lb
Gross weight
1,850kg4,079lb
2,335kg5,148lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
58.2s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
69.6s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.9s
6.6s
0-200 km/h
17.1s
Calculated
21.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.7s
Calculated
6.3s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.3L/100 km25.3mpg US30.4mpg UK
12.5L/100 km18.8mpg US22.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption city-
18.6L/100 km12.6mpg US15.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway-
8.9L/100 km26.4mpg US31.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.8s
Calculated
14.5s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
199hp/t149kW/t90hp/1000 lb
Calculated
159hp/t118kW/t72hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
248Nm/t166lb-ft/ton
Calculated
233Nm/t156lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
667km414mi
Calculated
680km423mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,152cc192cu in
4,398cc268cu in
Length
4,433mm175in
4,984mm196in
Width
1,698mm67in
1,862mm73in
Height
1,373mm54in
1,435mm56in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,930mm115in
Front track
1,410mm56in
1,552mm61in
Rear track
1,423mm56in
1,568mm62in
Trunk volume
435L
500L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
62L
85L

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 B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24VBMW 7 Series (E38) 740iPowerTorque
  • Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V: Power / Torque
  • BMW 7 Series (E38) 740i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V5,800 rpm4,400 rpm6,050 rpm
BMW7 Series (E38)740i5,700 rpm3,900 rpm5,950 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricAlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24VBMW7 Series (E38)740i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.7 s
6.3 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.9 s
6.6 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
17.1 s
21.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.6 s
2.6 s
330 ft
101 m
6.3 s
6.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.3 s
9.7 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.7 s
12.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.8 s
14.5 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
179 km/h
111 mph
167 km/h
104 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
265 hp
198 kW
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
286 hp
213 kW

BMW 7 Series (E38) 740i has 21 hp more than Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V.

The biggest power difference is between Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V and BMW 7 Series (E38) 740i: 21 hp (16 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
330 Nm
243 lb-ft
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
420 Nm
310 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
1,330 kg
2,932 lb
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
1,800 kg
3,968 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 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
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V5.9 s
BMW7 Series (E38)740i6.6 s

Although BMW 7 Series (E38) 740i has more power, Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V and BMW 7 Series (E38) 740i: 0.7 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
12.5 L/100 km
18.8 mpg US
22.6 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V and BMW 7 Series (E38) 740i: 3.2 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
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
199 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
159 hp/t
118 kW/t
6.3 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
667 km
414 mi
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
680 km
423 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
265 hp
198 kW
5.9 s
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
286 hp
213 kW
6.6 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 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
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
Power
265 hp
198 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,373 mm
54.1 in
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,984 mm
196.2 in
Height
1,435 mm
56.5 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
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
Power
265 hp
198 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.5 L/100 km
18.8 mpg US
22.6 mpg UK

Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V 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
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
5.9 s
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
12.5 L/100 km
18.8 mpg US
22.6 mpg UK
6.6 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
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
199 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
159 hp/t
118 kW/t
6.3 kg/hp
12.5 L/100 km
18.8 mpg US
22.6 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleAlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24VBMW7 Series (E38)740i
Power
265 hp
198 kW
286 hp
213 kW
Torque
330 Nm
243 lb-ft
420 Nm
310 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.9 s
6.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,330 kg
2,932 lb
1,800 kg
3,968 lb
Fuel consumption
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
12.5 L/100 km
18.8 mpg US
22.6 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,373 mm
54.1 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,984 mm
196.2 in
Height
1,435 mm
56.5 in
Range score
667 km
414 mi
680 km
423 mi
Trunk score
435 L
15.4 cu ft
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
199 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
159 hp/t
118 kW/t
6.3 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 B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24VBMW 7 Series (E38) 740i
Consumption9.3 L/100 km25.3 mpg US30.4 mpg UK12.5 L/100 km18.8 mpg US22.6 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km16.28 LC100 km21.88 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi26.19 LC100 mi35.20 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,395 L369 US gal307 UK gal1,875 L495 US gal412 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,441 LC/year3,281 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V

  • Is 470 kg lighter
  • Is 0.7 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 10 km/h (6 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 3.2 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 40 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Smallest trunk

BMW 7 Series (E38) 740i

  • Has 21 hp more
  • Has 90 Nm more
  • Has 13 km (8 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 65 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

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

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V
BMW 7 Series (E38) 740i
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

3.2 i 24V
2.7 BiTurbo V6
VS
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24VvsAUDIS4 (8D/B5)2.7 BiTurbo V6
740i
740i
VS
BMW7 Series (E38)740ivsBMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
3.2 i 24V
2.0 Biturbo
VS
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24VvsMaseratiQuattroporte IV2.0 Biturbo
740i
740i
VS
BMW7 Series (E38)740ivsBMW7 Series (E32)Facelift 1992740i
3.2 i 24V
2.3 Turbo
VS
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24VvsVolvoS702.3 Turbo
740i
750i
VS
BMW7 Series (E38)740ivsBMW7 Series (E32)750i
3.2 i 24V
540i V8
VS
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24VvsBMW5 Series (E39)540i V8
740i
730d
VS
BMW7 Series (E38)740ivsBMW7 Series (G11 LCI)Facelift 2019730d
3.2 i 24V
3.0T V6
VS
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24VvsNissanCedric (Y33)3.0T V6
740i
745d
VS
BMW7 Series (E38)740ivsBMW7 Series (E65)Facelift 2005745d
3.2 i 24V
2.8 24V T6
VS
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24VvsVolvoS802.8 24V T6
740i
740d
VS
BMW7 Series (E38)740ivsBMW7 Series (G70)740d
Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V vs BMW 7 Series (E38) 740i - car comparison - FastVsFaster