Alpina B3 3.3 Coupe 2002 or M3 ?

[gnutz]

I will probably need to drive both but which are renowned to be better? I like the Alpina as it looks understated and more luxurious but the M3 is more powerfull!

Any comments gratefully received!

[Zod]

The Alpina is automatic. If you want a sports car, buy the M3. If you want a quick, smooth coupe, buy the Alpina (but don't pay too much).

[Robertb]

Chalk and cheese.

M3 is a pointy high revving road-racer, Alpina is a smooth GT, but more than happy to press on when required and is entertaining. The suspension is perfectly set up for UK roads. The 'bespoke' feel is fun, and Alpina tweak and build far more of the car than you'd imagine. I have only seen one other in 4 months of ownership...

I use a B3S most days for a long commute and it is lovely. I suspect an M3 would be less relaxing. On the other hand, the M3 would be more involving, faster accelerating, and probably easier to move on come resale time.

Edited by Robertb on Thursday 19th October 13:32

[Andrew D]

Yeah, the M3 is pretty hardcore. Alpinas are more waft-mobiles; big on grunt and refinement. Oh yeah, and big on green and purple stitching too.

Except the Alpina Roadster S which it seems was, to my constant annoyance, made to be a Z4 M Roadster substitute until the real one came out. No auto, manual only, what's all that about? Nice idea to start with but now the Z4M is out it's a bit pointless. But I digress...