Car comparison

BMW 7 Series (E38) 740ivsAlpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V

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

New comparison

BMW 7 Series (E38)

740i

286 hp4398 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1996-1998
VS

Alpina B3 (E36)

3.2 i 24V

265 hp3152 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan1996-1999

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 7 Series (E38) 740i

  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • 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 overall score
    66/100
  • Best performance score
    61/100
  • Best practicality score
    76/100

Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.4 s
  • 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 economy score
    82/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW7 Series (E38)740iAlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
Power
286hp213kW
265hp198kW
Torque
420Nm310lb-ft
330Nm243lb-ft
Curb weight
1,800kg3,968lb
1,330kg2,932lb
Gross weight
2,335kg5,148lb
1,850kg4,079lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
247 km/h
153 mph
To 99% top speed
69.6s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
56.3s99% target: 245 km/h / 152 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.6s
6.4s
0-200 km/h
21.0s
Calculated
20.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.3s
Calculated
6.1s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
12.5L/100 km18.8mpg US22.6mpg UK
9.3L/100 km25.3mpg US30.4mpg 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
14.5s
Calculated
14.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
159hp/t118kW/t72hp/1000 lb
Calculated
199hp/t149kW/t90hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
233Nm/t156lb-ft/ton
Calculated
248Nm/t166lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
680km423mi
Calculated
667km414mi
Calculated
Displacement
4,398cc268cu in
3,152cc192cu in
Length
4,984mm196in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,862mm73in
1,698mm67in
Height
1,435mm56in
1,373mm54in
Wheelbase
2,930mm115in
2,700mm106in
Front track
1,552mm61in
1,410mm56in
Rear track
1,568mm62in
1,423mm56in
Trunk volume
500L
435L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
85L
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.

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

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW7 Series (E38)740iAlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.3 s
6.1 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.6 s
6.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
21.0 s
20.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
247 km/h
153 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.6 s
2.7 s
330 ft
101 m
6.6 s
6.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.7 s
9.6 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.3 s
12.2 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.5 s
14.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
167 km/h
104 mph
170 km/h
106 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
286 hp
213 kW
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
265 hp
198 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
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
420 Nm
310 lb-ft
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
330 Nm
243 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

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

Top speed without limiter comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
247 km/h
153 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW7 Series (E38)740i6.6 s
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V6.4 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: 0.2 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
12.5 L/100 km
18.8 mpg US
22.6 mpg UK
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 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
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
159 hp/t
118 kW/t
6.3 kg/hp
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
199 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

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

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
286 hp
213 kW
6.6 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
265 hp
198 kW
6.4 s
247 km/h
153 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
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
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
Power
265 hp
198 kW
0-100 km/h6.4 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 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

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
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
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
Power
265 hp
198 kW
0-100 km/h6.4 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 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
BMW7 Series (E38)740i
12.5 L/100 km
18.8 mpg US
22.6 mpg UK
6.6 s
AlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
6.4 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
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
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

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW7 Series (E38)740iAlpinaB3 (E36)3.2 i 24V
Power
286 hp
213 kW
265 hp
198 kW
Torque
420 Nm
310 lb-ft
330 Nm
243 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.6 s
6.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
247 km/h
153 mph
Lightness
1,800 kg
3,968 lb
1,330 kg
2,932 lb
Fuel consumption
12.5 L/100 km
18.8 mpg US
22.6 mpg UK
9.3 L/100 km
25.3 mpg US
30.4 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,984 mm
196.2 in
Height
1,435 mm
56.5 in
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
Range score
680 km
423 mi
667 km
414 mi
Trunk score
500 L
17.7 cu ft
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
159 hp/t
118 kW/t
6.3 kg/hp
199 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 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
VehicleBMW 7 Series (E38) 740iAlpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V
Consumption12.5 L/100 km18.8 mpg US22.6 mpg UK9.3 L/100 km25.3 mpg US30.4 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km21.88 LC100 km16.28 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi35.20 LC100 mi26.19 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,875 L495 US gal412 UK gal1,395 L369 US gal307 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,281 LC/year2,441 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 7 Series (E38) 740i

  • Has 21 hp more
  • Has 90 Nm more
  • Has 13 km/h (8 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 13 km (8 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 65 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

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

Alpina B3 (E36) 3.2 i 24V

  • Is 470 kg lighter
  • Is 0.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • 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
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

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