Car comparison

Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3SvsBMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i

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

New comparison

Alpina B3 Touring (E46)

3.3 i 24V B3S

305 hp3346 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedWagon / estate2003-2006
VS

BMW 5 Series Touring (E61)

545i

333 hp4398 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedWagon / estate2004-2005

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.9 s
  • Most powerful
    333 hp
    248 kW
  • Highest torque
    450 Nm
    332 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.4 L/100 km
    25.0 mpg US
    30.1 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    13.7 L/100 km
    17.2 mpg US
    20.6 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.9 L/100 km
    34.1 mpg US
    40.9 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    745 km
    463 mi
  • Largest trunk
    500 L
  • Best overall score
    72/100
  • Best performance score
    66/100
  • Best economy score
    82/100
  • Best practicality score
    84/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelAlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3SBMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
Power
305hp227kW
333hp248kW
Torque
362Nm267lb-ft
450Nm332lb-ft
Curb weight
1,525kg3,362lb
1,795kg3,957lb
Gross weight
2,065kg4,553lb
2,280kg5,027lb
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
65.7s99% target: 258 km/h / 161 mph
Calculated
62.4s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.6s
5.9s
0-200 km/h
20.3s
Calculated
18.8s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.3s
Calculated
5.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.8L/100 km19.9mpg US23.9mpg UK
9.4L/100 km25mpg US30.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
18.2L/100 km12.9mpg US15.5mpg UK
13.7L/100 km17.2mpg US20.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
8.1L/100 km29mpg US34.9mpg UK
6.9L/100 km34.1mpg US40.9mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.5s
Calculated
13.9s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
200hp/t149kW/t91hp/1000 lb
Calculated
186hp/t138kW/t84hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
237Nm/t159lb-ft/ton
Calculated
251Nm/t168lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
534km332mi
Calculated
745km463mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,346cc204cu in
4,398cc268cu in
Length
4,478mm176in
4,843mm191in
Width
1,739mm68in
1,846mm73in
Height
1,409mm55in
1,491mm59in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,886mm114in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,558mm61in
Rear track
1,481mm58in
1,581mm62in
Trunk volume
435L
500L
Max trunk volume
1,345L
1,650L
Doors
5
5
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 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3SBMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545iPowerTorque
  • Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S: Power / Torque
  • BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S6,300 rpm4,800 rpm6,550 rpm
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i6,100 rpm3,600 rpm6,350 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricAlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3SBMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.3 s
5.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.6 s
5.9 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.3 s
18.8 s
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.7 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.6 s
6.3 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.7 s
9.2 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.3 s
11.8 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.5 s
13.9 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
169 km/h
105 mph
173 km/h
108 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
305 hp
227 kW
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
333 hp
248 kW

BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i has 28 hp more than Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S.

The biggest power difference is between Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S and BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i: 28 hp (21 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
362 Nm
267 lb-ft
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)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 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
1,525 kg
3,362 lb
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
1,795 kg
3,957 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 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
261 km/h
162 mph
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
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 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S6.6 s
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i5.9 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i and Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S: 0.7 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 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
11.8 L/100 km
19.9 mpg US
23.9 mpg UK
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i and Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S: 2.4 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 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
200 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
186 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
534 km
332 mi
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
745 km
463 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
305 hp
227 kW
6.6 s
261 km/h
162 mph
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
333 hp
248 kW
5.9 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 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
Power
305 hp
227 kW
0-100 km/h6.6 s
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Length
4,478 mm
176.3 in
Height
1,409 mm
55.5 in
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
Power
333 hp
248 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,843 mm
190.7 in
Height
1,491 mm
58.7 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
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
Power
305 hp
227 kW
0-100 km/h6.6 s
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
11.8 L/100 km
19.9 mpg US
23.9 mpg UK
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
Power
333 hp
248 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK

BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 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
AlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
11.8 L/100 km
19.9 mpg US
23.9 mpg UK
6.6 s
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK
5.9 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 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
200 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
11.8 L/100 km
19.9 mpg US
23.9 mpg UK
BMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
186 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 kg/hp
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleAlpinaB3 Touring (E46)3.3 i 24V B3SBMW5 Series Touring (E61)545i
Power
305 hp
227 kW
333 hp
248 kW
Torque
362 Nm
267 lb-ft
450 Nm
332 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.6 s
5.9 s
Top speed
261 km/h
162 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,525 kg
3,362 lb
1,795 kg
3,957 lb
Fuel consumption
11.8 L/100 km
19.9 mpg US
23.9 mpg UK
9.4 L/100 km
25.0 mpg US
30.1 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
435 L
15.4 cu ft
Length
4,478 mm
176.3 in
Height
1,409 mm
55.5 in
Doors/seats
5 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,843 mm
190.7 in
Height
1,491 mm
58.7 in
Range score
534 km
332 mi
745 km
463 mi
Trunk score
435 L
15.4 cu ft
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
200 hp/t
149 kW/t
5.0 kg/hp
186 hp/t
138 kW/t
5.4 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 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3SBMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i
Consumption11.8 L/100 km19.9 mpg US23.9 mpg UK9.4 L/100 km25 mpg US30.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km20.65 LC100 km16.45 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi33.23 LC100 mi26.47 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,770 L468 US gal389 UK gal1,410 L372 US gal310 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,098 LC/year2,468 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Alpina B3 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S

  • Is 270 kg lighter
  • Has 1 km/h (1 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 14 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

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

BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i

  • Has 28 hp more
  • Has 88 Nm more
  • Is 0.7 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 2.4 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 211 km (131 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 65 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • 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 Touring (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S
BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 545i
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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