Car comparison

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24VvsBMW 5 Series (E39) · Facelift 2000 540i

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

New comparison

Alpina B3 (E46)

3.3 i 24V

280 hp3300 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1999-2005
VS

BMW 5 Series (E39) · Facelift 2000

540i

286 hp4398 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan2000-2004

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.7 s
  • Fastest top speed
    266 km/h
    165 mph
  • Lightest
    1,450 kg
    3,197 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    193 hp/t
    144 kW/t
    5.2 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    10.8 L/100 km
    21.8 mpg US
    26.2 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    16.1 L/100 km
    14.6 mpg US
    17.5 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.7 L/100 km
    30.5 mpg US
    36.7 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    583 km
    362 mi
  • Best overall score
    67/100
  • Best performance score
    64/100
  • Best economy score
    78/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24VBMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
Power
280hp209kW
286hp213kW
Torque
335Nm247lb-ft
440Nm325lb-ft
Curb weight
1,450kg3,197lb
1,615kg3,560lb
Gross weight
1,950kg4,299lb
2,220kg4,894lb
Top speed
266 km/h
165 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
56.8s99% target: 263 km/h / 164 mph
Calculated
63.7s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.7s
6.5s
0-200 km/h
17.0s
Calculated
19.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.5s
Calculated
6.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
10.8L/100 km21.8mpg US26.2mpg UK
12L/100 km19.6mpg US23.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
16.1L/100 km14.6mpg US17.5mpg UK
19.9L/100 km11.8mpg US14.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.7L/100 km30.5mpg US36.7mpg UK
9L/100 km26.1mpg US31.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.6s
Calculated
14.4s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
193hp/t144kW/t88hp/1000 lb
Calculated
177hp/t132kW/t80hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
231Nm/t155lb-ft/ton
Calculated
272Nm/t182lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
583km362mi
Calculated
583km362mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,300cc201cu in
4,398cc268cu in
Length
4,471mm176in
4,775mm188in
Width
1,739mm68in
1,800mm71in
Height
1,395mm55in
1,435mm56in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,830mm111in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,512mm60in
Rear track
1,472mm58in
1,526mm60in
Ground clearance-
120mm5in
Trunk volume
440L
460L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
63L
70L

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 (E46) 3.3 i 24VBMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540iPowerTorque
  • Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V: Power / Torque
  • BMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V6,200 rpm4,500 rpm6,450 rpm
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i5,400 rpm3,600 rpm5,650 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24VBMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.5 s
6.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.7 s
6.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
17.0 s
19.4 s
Top speed
266 km/h
165 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.7 s
330 ft
101 m
6.2 s
6.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.1 s
9.7 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.6 s
12.2 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.6 s
14.4 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
179 km/h
111 mph
172 km/h
107 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V
280 hp
209 kW
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
286 hp
213 kW

BMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540i has 6 hp more than Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V.

The biggest power difference is between Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V and BMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540i: 6 hp (4 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V
335 Nm
247 lb-ft
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
440 Nm
325 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V
1,450 kg
3,197 lb
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
1,615 kg
3,560 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 (E46)3.3 i 24V
266 km/h
165 mph
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
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
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V5.7 s
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i6.5 s

Although BMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540i has more power, Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V and BMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540i: 0.8 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 (E46)3.3 i 24V
10.8 L/100 km
21.8 mpg US
26.2 mpg UK
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V and BMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540i: 1.2 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 (E46)3.3 i 24V
193 hp/t
144 kW/t
5.2 kg/hp
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
177 hp/t
132 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V
583 km
362 mi
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
583 km
362 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V
280 hp
209 kW
5.7 s
266 km/h
165 mph
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
286 hp
213 kW
6.5 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
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V
Power
280 hp
209 kW
0-100 km/h5.7 s
Top speed
266 km/h
165 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,395 mm
54.9 in
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,775 mm
188.0 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 (E46)3.3 i 24V
Power
280 hp
209 kW
0-100 km/h5.7 s
Top speed
266 km/h
165 mph
10.8 L/100 km
21.8 mpg US
26.2 mpg UK
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 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 (E46)3.3 i 24V
10.8 L/100 km
21.8 mpg US
26.2 mpg UK
5.7 s
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
6.5 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
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V
193 hp/t
144 kW/t
5.2 kg/hp
10.8 L/100 km
21.8 mpg US
26.2 mpg UK
BMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
177 hp/t
132 kW/t
5.6 kg/hp
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24VBMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000540i
Power
280 hp
209 kW
286 hp
213 kW
Torque
335 Nm
247 lb-ft
440 Nm
325 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.7 s
6.5 s
Top speed
266 km/h
165 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,450 kg
3,197 lb
1,615 kg
3,560 lb
Fuel consumption
10.8 L/100 km
21.8 mpg US
26.2 mpg UK
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,395 mm
54.9 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,775 mm
188.0 in
Height
1,435 mm
56.5 in
Range score
583 km
362 mi
583 km
362 mi
Trunk score
440 L
15.5 cu ft
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
193 hp/t
144 kW/t
5.2 kg/hp
177 hp/t
132 kW/t
5.6 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 (E46) 3.3 i 24VBMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540i
Consumption10.8 L/100 km21.8 mpg US26.2 mpg UK12 L/100 km19.6 mpg US23.5 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km18.90 LC100 km21.00 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi30.42 LC100 mi33.80 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,620 L428 US gal356 UK gal1,800 L476 US gal396 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,835 LC/year3,150 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V

  • Is 165 kg lighter
  • Is 0.8 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 1 km/h (1 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 1.2 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 16 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
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Smallest trunk

BMW 5 Series (E39) Facelift 2000 540i

  • Has 6 hp more
  • Has 105 Nm more
  • Has 20 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • 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 (E46) 3.3 i 24V
BMW 5 Series (E39) 540i
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