Car comparison

BMW 5 Series (E60) 545ivsAlpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S

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

New comparison

BMW 5 Series (E60)

545i

333 hp4398 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan2003-2005
VS

Alpina B3 (E46)

3.3 i 24V B3S

305 hp3346 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan2003-2005

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 5 Series (E60) 545i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.8 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    333 hp
    248 kW
  • Highest torque
    450 Nm
    332 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    10.9 L/100 km
    21.6 mpg US
    25.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    16.3 L/100 km
    14.4 mpg US
    17.3 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.9 L/100 km
    29.8 mpg US
    35.8 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    642 km
    399 mi
  • Largest trunk
    520 L
  • Best overall score
    71/100
  • Best performance score
    68/100
  • Best economy score
    78/100
  • Best practicality score
    76/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW5 Series (E60)545iAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
Power
333hp248kW
305hp227kW
Torque
450Nm332lb-ft
362Nm267lb-ft
Curb weight
1,640kg3,616lb
1,450kg3,197lb
Gross weight
2,190kg4,828lb
1,950kg4,299lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
265 km/h
165 mph
To 99% top speed
57.7s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
61.3s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.8s
6.3s
0-200 km/h
17.4s
Calculated
18.7s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.6s
Calculated
6.0s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
10.9L/100 km21.6mpg US25.9mpg UK
11.6L/100 km20.3mpg US24.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
16.3L/100 km14.4mpg US17.3mpg UK
17.9L/100 km13.1mpg US15.8mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.7s
Calculated
14.2s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
203hp/t151kW/t92hp/1000 lb
Calculated
210hp/t157kW/t95hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
274Nm/t184lb-ft/ton
Calculated
250Nm/t167lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
642km399mi
Calculated
543km337mi
Calculated
Displacement
4,398cc268cu in
3,346cc204cu in
Length
4,841mm191in
4,471mm176in
Width
1,846mm73in
1,739mm68in
Height
1,464mm58in
1,414mm56in
Wheelbase
2,888mm114in
2,725mm107in
Front track
1,558mm61in
1,471mm58in
Rear track
1,582mm62in
1,481mm58in
Trunk volume
520L
440L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
70L
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.

BMW 5 Series (E60) 545iAlpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3SPowerTorque
  • BMW 5 Series (E60) 545i: Power / Torque
  • Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW5 Series (E60)545i6,100 rpm3,600 rpm6,350 rpm
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S6,300 rpm4,800 rpm6,550 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW5 Series (E60)545iAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.6 s
6.0 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.8 s
6.3 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
17.4 s
18.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
265 km/h
165 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.7 s
330 ft
101 m
6.3 s
6.5 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.2 s
9.5 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.7 s
12.1 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.7 s
14.2 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
178 km/h
110 mph
174 km/h
108 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
333 hp
248 kW
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
305 hp
227 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
450 Nm
332 lb-ft
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
362 Nm
267 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
1,640 kg
3,616 lb
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
1,450 kg
3,197 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
265 km/h
165 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E60)545i5.8 s
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S6.3 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 5 Series (E60) 545i and Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S: 0.5 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
11.6 L/100 km
20.3 mpg US
24.4 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 5 Series (E60) 545i 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
203 hp/t
151 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
210 hp/t
157 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
642 km
399 mi
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
543 km
337 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
333 hp
248 kW
5.8 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
305 hp
227 kW
6.3 s
265 km/h
165 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
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
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
Power
305 hp
227 kW
0-100 km/h6.3 s
Top speed
265 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
1,414 mm
55.7 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
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
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
Power
305 hp
227 kW
0-100 km/h6.3 s
Top speed
265 km/h
165 mph
11.6 L/100 km
20.3 mpg US
24.4 mpg UK

BMW 5 Series (E60) 545i 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
BMW5 Series (E60)545i
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
5.8 s
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
11.6 L/100 km
20.3 mpg US
24.4 mpg UK
6.3 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
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
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
210 hp/t
157 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
11.6 L/100 km
20.3 mpg US
24.4 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW5 Series (E60)545iAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
Power
333 hp
248 kW
305 hp
227 kW
Torque
450 Nm
332 lb-ft
362 Nm
267 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.8 s
6.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
265 km/h
165 mph
Lightness
1,640 kg
3,616 lb
1,450 kg
3,197 lb
Fuel consumption
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
11.6 L/100 km
20.3 mpg US
24.4 mpg UK
Practicality
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
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
Range score
642 km
399 mi
543 km
337 mi
Trunk score
520 L
18.4 cu ft
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
203 hp/t
151 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
210 hp/t
157 kW/t
4.8 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 5 Series (E60) 545iAlpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S
Consumption10.9 L/100 km21.6 mpg US25.9 mpg UK11.6 L/100 km20.3 mpg US24.4 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.08 LC100 km20.30 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi30.70 LC100 mi32.67 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,635 L432 US gal360 UK gal1,740 L460 US gal383 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,861 LC/year3,045 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 5 Series (E60) 545i

  • Has 28 hp more
  • Has 88 Nm more
  • Is 0.5 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 0.7 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 99 km (62 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 80 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Heaviest

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S

  • Is 190 kg lighter
  • Has 7 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

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