OK, here's yet another comparison question. NB, I haven't found out the price yet!

If you remember I'm after a mad but smallish load-carrier (so forget STI7), brand new. So far, it keeps coming back to a 5-door scoob MY02 with PPP. The trick is, I have to keep it 5 years, and I am NOT allowed to supplement it with a silly Westy, like a lot of people on here;) - it will be my only "grin" car!

What do the panel think about an Alpina B3 Touring, a 3-series with a 3.3 litre engine, kicking out 280 bhp and 335NM torque (compare PPP 250bhp, 340NM). Touring apparently does 6.1s acceleration and 260kmh (compare PPP ?5.7s and 240kmh limited).
The BMW weighs 1525kg, the scoob I think 1385.

I want grin factor and longevity. On the B3's plus side, I should get a smoother and more responsive engine, no turbo lag, 6-speed box, and way better build quality/ luxuries. On the minus side, I get a bigger lump of engine up front and RWD.

I have never read Alpina reviews, let alone driven one. Does anyone know if they lean towards exciting on the twisties, or are they just faster for German autobahns, as are many cars of Teutonic engineering? The state of Portuguese roads means that performance in 3 figures isn't really relevant. And I can't test one here:(

Thanks for any help

Brendan

I think Alpina are generally though to be a little overpriced.
B3 over M3 is mostly bought by people who want to be in something different who want oneupmanship over M3 owners. Pointless really for an extra £8-10k.
I know they are special cars but they tend to attract special attention from ins. and servicing etc. Parts are hard to get hold of especially if you have their own gearbox etc.
If you really want a 3 touring why not wait for the new 330d (around 220bhp + 330ft/lbs) chip that and then grin. I think their are a couple of German tuners whose chips are warrantied by the BMW Pan European gtee too (their names escape me though, sorry).

8k over an M3?:eek:

M3 don't do a Touring version. If they did, I'd certainly put it on my list.

Beg yer pardon m8.
I should read more carefully next time.
Rambling on for no apparent reason about the coupe doh!
If you want a monster estate why not find one of the very rare M5 specials from c.1995/6. I believe the 'Ring taxi' is one of these and is extremely quick and has loads of room.
I'd still check out a 330d though. Extraordinary car.