Car comparison

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3SvsBMW 5 Series (E60) 545i

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 5 Series (E60)

545i

333 hp4398 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan2003-2005

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

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
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    10.9 L/100 km
    21.6 mpg US
    25.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    16.2 L/100 km
    14.5 mpg US
    17.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.9 L/100 km
    29.8 mpg US
    35.8 mpg UK
  • Best performance score
    68/100
  • Best economy score
    78/100

BMW 5 Series (E60) 545i

  • Most powerful
    333 hp
    248 kW
  • Highest torque
    450 Nm
    332 lb-ft
  • Best estimated range
    642 km
    399 mi
  • Largest trunk
    520 L
  • Best overall score
    71/100
  • Best practicality score
    76/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3SBMW5 Series (E60)545i
Power
305hp227kW
333hp248kW
Torque
362Nm267lb-ft
450Nm332lb-ft
Curb weight
1,450kg3,197lb
1,640kg3,616lb
Gross weight
1,950kg4,299lb
2,190kg4,828lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
56.3s99% target: 277 km/h / 172 mph
Calculated
57.7s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.4s
5.8s
0-200 km/h
15.3s
Calculated
17.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.2s
Calculated
5.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
10.9L/100 km21.6mpg US25.9mpg UK
10.9L/100 km21.6mpg US25.9mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
16.2L/100 km14.5mpg US17.4mpg UK
16.3L/100 km14.4mpg US17.3mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.3s
Calculated
13.7s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
210hp/t157kW/t95hp/1000 lb
Calculated
203hp/t151kW/t92hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
250Nm/t167lb-ft/ton
Calculated
274Nm/t184lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
578km359mi
Calculated
642km399mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,346cc204cu in
4,398cc268cu in
Length
4,471mm176in
4,841mm191in
Width
1,739mm68in
1,846mm73in
Height
1,414mm56in
1,464mm58in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,888mm114in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,558mm61in
Rear track
1,481mm58in
1,582mm62in
Trunk volume
440L
520L
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 24V B3SBMW 5 Series (E60) 545iPowerTorque
  • Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S: Power / Torque
  • BMW 5 Series (E60) 545i: 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i6,100 rpm3,600 rpm6,350 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3SBMW5 Series (E60)545i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.2 s
5.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.4 s
5.8 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
15.3 s
17.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.1 s
6.3 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.9 s
9.2 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.3 s
11.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.3 s
13.7 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
185 km/h
115 mph
178 km/h
110 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
333 hp
248 kW

BMW 5 Series (E60) 545i has 28 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 5 Series (E60) 545i: 28 hp (21 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
450 Nm
332 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
1,640 kg
3,616 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
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 24V B3S5.4 s
BMW5 Series (E60)545i5.8 s

Although BMW 5 Series (E60) 545i has more power, Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S and BMW 5 Series (E60) 545i: 0.4 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 B3S
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK

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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
203 hp/t
151 kW/t
4.9 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
642 km
399 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
333 hp
248 kW
5.8 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 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
Power
333 hp
248 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
520 L
18.4 cu ft
Length
4,841 mm
190.6 in
Height
1,464 mm
57.6 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
Power
333 hp
248 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
5.8 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
203 hp/t
151 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3SBMW5 Series (E60)545i
Power
305 hp
227 kW
333 hp
248 kW
Torque
362 Nm
267 lb-ft
450 Nm
332 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.4 s
5.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,450 kg
3,197 lb
1,640 kg
3,616 lb
Fuel consumption
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 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
520 L
18.4 cu ft
Length
4,841 mm
190.6 in
Height
1,464 mm
57.6 in
Range score
578 km
359 mi
642 km
399 mi
Trunk score
440 L
15.5 cu ft
520 L
18.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
210 hp/t
157 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
203 hp/t
151 kW/t
4.9 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 5 Series (E60) 545i
Consumption10.9 L/100 km21.6 mpg US25.9 mpg UK10.9 L/100 km21.6 mpg US25.9 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.08 LC100 km19.08 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi30.70 LC100 mi30.70 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,635 L432 US gal360 UK gal1,635 L432 US gal360 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,861 LC/year2,861 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S

  • Is 190 kg lighter
  • Is 0.4 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 15 km/h (9 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 7 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 5 Series (E60) 545i

  • Has 28 hp more
  • Has 88 Nm more
  • Has 64 km (40 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 80 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S
BMW 5 Series (E60) 545i
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