Car comparison

Alpina B8 (E36) 4.6 i V8 32VvsBMW M5 (E34) 3.8

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

New comparison

Alpina B8 (E36)

4.6 i V8 32V

333 hp4619 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1995-1998
VS

BMW M5 (E34)

3.8

340 hp3795 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1992-1994

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Alpina B8 (E36) 4.6 i V8 32V

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.6 s
  • Fastest top speed
    281 km/h
    175 mph
  • Highest torque
    470 Nm
    347 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,500 kg
    3,307 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    222 hp/t
    166 kW/t
    4.5 kg/hp
  • Best overall score
    71/100
  • Best performance score
    71/100

BMW M5 (E34) 3.8

  • Most powerful
    340 hp
    254 kW
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.6 L/100 km
    24.5 mpg US
    29.4 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    938 km
    583 mi
  • Largest trunk
    460 L
  • Best economy score
    81/100
  • Best practicality score
    73/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelAlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32VBMWM5 (E34)3.8
Power
333hp248kW
340hp254kW
Torque
470Nm347lb-ft
400Nm295lb-ft
Curb weight
1,500kg3,307lb
1,650kg3,638lb
Gross weight
1,980kg4,365lb
2,150kg4,740lb
Top speed
281 km/h
175 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
56.4s99% target: 278 km/h / 173 mph
Calculated
59.0s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.6s
5.9s
0-200 km/h
15.6s
Calculated
17.7s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.4s
Calculated
5.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.3L/100 km20.8mpg US25.0mpg UK
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption city-
18L/100 km13.1mpg US15.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway-
8.3L/100 km28.3mpg US34.0mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.4s
Calculated
13.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
222hp/t166kW/t101hp/1000 lb
Calculated
206hp/t154kW/t93hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
313Nm/t210lb-ft/ton
Calculated
242Nm/t162lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
841km522mi
Calculated
938km583mi
Calculated
Displacement
4,619cc282cu in
3,795cc232cu in
Length
4,433mm175in
4,720mm186in
Width
1,698mm67in
1,751mm69in
Height
1,373mm54in
1,392mm55in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,761mm109in
Front track
1,412mm56in
1,474mm58in
Rear track
1,434mm56in
1,496mm59in
Trunk volume
395L
460L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
95L
90L

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 B8 (E36) 4.6 i V8 32VBMW M5 (E34) 3.8PowerTorque
  • Alpina B8 (E36) 4.6 i V8 32V: Power / Torque
  • BMW M5 (E34) 3.8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V5,700 rpm3,900 rpm5,950 rpm
BMWM5 (E34)3.86,900 rpm4,750 rpm7,150 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricAlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32VBMWM5 (E34)3.8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.4 s
5.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.6 s
5.9 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
15.6 s
17.7 s
Top speed
281 km/h
175 mph
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
6.2 s
6.3 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.1 s
9.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.5 s
11.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.4 s
13.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
185 km/h
115 mph
177 km/h
110 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V
333 hp
248 kW
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
340 hp
254 kW

BMW M5 (E34) 3.8 has 7 hp more than Alpina B8 (E36) 4.6 i V8 32V.

The biggest power difference is between Alpina B8 (E36) 4.6 i V8 32V and BMW M5 (E34) 3.8: 7 hp (5 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V
470 Nm
347 lb-ft
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
400 Nm
295 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V
1,500 kg
3,307 lb
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
1,650 kg
3,638 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V
281 km/h
175 mph
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
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
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V5.6 s
BMWM5 (E34)3.85.9 s

Although BMW M5 (E34) 3.8 has more power, Alpina B8 (E36) 4.6 i V8 32V is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Alpina B8 (E36) 4.6 i V8 32V and BMW M5 (E34) 3.8: 0.3 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V
11.3 L/100 km
20.8 mpg US
25.0 mpg UK
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M5 (E34) 3.8 and Alpina B8 (E36) 4.6 i V8 32V: 1.7 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
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V
222 hp/t
166 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
206 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V
841 km
522 mi
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
938 km
583 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V
333 hp
248 kW
5.6 s
281 km/h
175 mph
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
340 hp
254 kW
5.9 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
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V
Power
333 hp
248 kW
0-100 km/h5.6 s
Top speed
281 km/h
175 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
395 L
13.9 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,373 mm
54.1 in
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
Power
340 hp
254 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 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
4,720 mm
185.8 in
Height
1,392 mm
54.8 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
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V
Power
333 hp
248 kW
0-100 km/h5.6 s
Top speed
281 km/h
175 mph
11.3 L/100 km
20.8 mpg US
25.0 mpg UK
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
Power
340 hp
254 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK

Alpina B8 (E36) 4.6 i V8 32V 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
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V
11.3 L/100 km
20.8 mpg US
25.0 mpg UK
5.6 s
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 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
AlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32V
222 hp/t
166 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
11.3 L/100 km
20.8 mpg US
25.0 mpg UK
BMWM5 (E34)3.8
206 hp/t
154 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleAlpinaB8 (E36)4.6 i V8 32VBMWM5 (E34)3.8
Power
333 hp
248 kW
340 hp
254 kW
Torque
470 Nm
347 lb-ft
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.6 s
5.9 s
Top speed
281 km/h
175 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,500 kg
3,307 lb
1,650 kg
3,638 lb
Fuel consumption
11.3 L/100 km
20.8 mpg US
25.0 mpg UK
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
395 L
13.9 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,373 mm
54.1 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,720 mm
185.8 in
Height
1,392 mm
54.8 in
Range score
841 km
522 mi
938 km
583 mi
Trunk score
395 L
13.9 cu ft
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
222 hp/t
166 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
206 hp/t
154 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 B8 (E36) 4.6 i V8 32VBMW M5 (E34) 3.8
Consumption11.3 L/100 km20.8 mpg US25 mpg UK9.6 L/100 km24.5 mpg US29.4 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.78 LC100 km16.80 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi31.82 LC100 mi27.04 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,695 L448 US gal373 UK gal1,440 L380 US gal317 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,966 LC/year2,520 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Alpina B8 (E36) 4.6 i V8 32V

  • Has 70 Nm more
  • Is 150 kg lighter
  • Is 0.3 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 16 km/h (10 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 16 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Smallest trunk

BMW M5 (E34) 3.8

  • Has 7 hp more
  • Uses 1.7 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 97 km (60 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 65 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • 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 B8 (E36) 4.6 i V8 32V
BMW M5 (E34) 3.8
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2 vehicles selected

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