Car comparison

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3SvsBMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 335xi

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

New comparison

Alpina B3 (E46)

3.3 i 24V B3S

305 hp3346 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan2003-2005
VS

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90)

335xi

306 hp2996 ccGasolineAWDManualTurbochargedSedan2007-2008

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 335xi

  • Most powerful
    306 hp
    228 kW
  • Highest torque
    400 Nm
    295 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    10.2 L/100 km
    23.1 mpg US
    27.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    15.3 L/100 km
    15.4 mpg US
    18.5 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.2 L/100 km
    32.7 mpg US
    39.2 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    618 km
    384 mi
  • Largest trunk
    460 L
  • Best economy score
    79/100
  • Best practicality score
    73/100

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.4 s
  • Fastest top speed
    280 km/h
    174 mph Unrestricted
    270 km/h
    168 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,450 kg
    3,197 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    210 hp/t
    157 kW/t
    4.8 kg/hp
  • Best overall score
    69/100
  • Best performance score
    68/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3SBMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
Power
305hp227kW
306hp228kW
Torque
362Nm267lb-ft
400Nm295lb-ft
Curb weight
1,450kg3,197lb
1,600kg3,527lb
Gross weight
1,950kg4,299lb
2,100kg4,630lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
56.3s99% target: 277 km/h / 172 mph
Calculated
53.5s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.4s
5.4s
0-200 km/h
15.3s
Calculated
16.7s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.2s
Calculated
5.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
10.9L/100 km21.6mpg US25.9mpg UK
10.2L/100 km23.1mpg US27.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
16.2L/100 km14.5mpg US17.4mpg UK
15.3L/100 km15.4mpg US18.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
7.2L/100 km32.7mpg US39.2mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.3s
Calculated
13.4s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
210hp/t157kW/t95hp/1000 lb
Calculated
191hp/t143kW/t87hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
250Nm/t167lb-ft/ton
Calculated
250Nm/t167lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
578km359mi
Calculated
618km384mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,346cc204cu in
2,996cc183cu in
Length
4,471mm176in
4,520mm178in
Width
1,739mm68in
1,817mm72in
Height
1,414mm56in
1,421mm56in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,760mm109in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,500mm59in
Rear track
1,481mm58in
1,513mm60in
Trunk volume
440L
460L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
63L
63L

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 24V B3SBMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 335xiPowerTorque
  • Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S: Power / Torque
  • BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 335xi: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S6,300 rpm4,800 rpm6,550 rpm
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi5,800 rpm1,300 rpm6,050 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3SBMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.2 s
5.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.4 s
5.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
15.3 s
16.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
6.1 s
6.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.9 s
8.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.3 s
11.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.3 s
13.4 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
185 km/h
115 mph
180 km/h
112 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
305 hp
227 kW
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
306 hp
228 kW

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 335xi has 1 hp more than Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S.

The biggest power difference is between Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S and BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 335xi: 1 hp (1 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
362 Nm
267 lb-ft
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
400 Nm
295 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 B3S
1,450 kg
3,197 lb
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
1,600 kg
3,527 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 B3S
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
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 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S5.4 s
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi5.4 s

Although BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 335xi has more power, Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

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 B3S
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
10.2 L/100 km
23.1 mpg US
27.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 335xi and Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S: 0.7 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 B3S
210 hp/t
157 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
191 hp/t
143 kW/t
5.2 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 B3S
578 km
359 mi
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
618 km
384 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
305 hp
227 kW
5.4 s
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
306 hp
228 kW
5.4 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 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
Power
305 hp
227 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,414 mm
55.7 in
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
Power
306 hp
228 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,520 mm
178.0 in
Height
1,421 mm
55.9 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 B3S
Power
305 hp
227 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
Power
306 hp
228 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
10.2 L/100 km
23.1 mpg US
27.7 mpg UK

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S 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 B3S
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
5.4 s
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
10.2 L/100 km
23.1 mpg US
27.7 mpg UK
5.4 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
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
210 hp/t
157 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
191 hp/t
143 kW/t
5.2 kg/hp
10.2 L/100 km
23.1 mpg US
27.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3SBMW3 Series Sedan (E90)335xi
Power
305 hp
227 kW
306 hp
228 kW
Torque
362 Nm
267 lb-ft
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.4 s
5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,450 kg
3,197 lb
1,600 kg
3,527 lb
Fuel consumption
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
10.2 L/100 km
23.1 mpg US
27.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,414 mm
55.7 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,520 mm
178.0 in
Height
1,421 mm
55.9 in
Range score
578 km
359 mi
618 km
384 mi
Trunk score
440 L
15.5 cu ft
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
210 hp/t
157 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
191 hp/t
143 kW/t
5.2 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 24V B3SBMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 335xi
Consumption10.9 L/100 km21.6 mpg US25.9 mpg UK10.2 L/100 km23.1 mpg US27.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.08 LC100 km17.85 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi30.70 LC100 mi28.73 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,635 L432 US gal360 UK gal1,530 L404 US gal337 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,861 LC/year2,678 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S

  • Is 150 kg lighter
  • Has 20 km/h (12 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 19 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Smallest trunk

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 335xi

  • Has 1 hp more
  • Has 38 Nm more
  • Uses 0.7 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 40 km (25 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 20 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S
BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 335xi
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