Alpina Roadster S Vs BMW Z4M Roadster

Well, here we go AT LAST! We think a YouTube EXCLUSIVE SHOOT-OUT.

The Rare and gloriously different Alpina Roadster S in comparison to the uber exciting Z4M Roadster.

In this video we take a look at the differences between them, and see how they compare on the road.

For the more technically minded, here are the stats etc of each car:

At the date this video went live, you could buy either one of these cars for £15-20K (for one with great history and relatively low miles.

Alpina Roadster S

The Roadster S was based on the Z4 3.0i and was available in two trims, standard and Lux. The Lux model had Bluetooth phone connectivity, DVD satellite navigation and Xenon headlamps. The optional Sport pack added a thicker anti-rollbar and increased the front negative camber by 1 degree.

The engine is a handbuilt 3.4-litre E5/2 inline-6 unit, also shared with the B3 S (E46). The engine is an enlarged version of the S52B32 engine first installed in the North American M3 (E36).The engine generated a maximum power output of 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) at 6,300 rpm and 360 N⋅m (266 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,800 rpm. The engine has a red-line of 7,300 rpm.[4] Modifications to the engine include an Alpina specific cylinder head, crankshaft and high strength MAHLE pistons. The exhaust system is a stainless steel unit from Eisenmann with dual polished exhaust tips.

he Roadster S has a close ratio 6-speed ZF manual transmission.

The interior was available in three colour combinations, those being black leather with blue and green stitching on the dashboard and steering wheel (or alternatively red stitching), red leather with red stitching on the dashboard and steering wheel and beige with maroon piping and maroon stitching on the dashboard and steering wheel. Noticeable changes to the interior include an Alpina blue instrument cluster, Alpina logos and badges, Alpina door sills, an overhead plaque signifying the production number of the car and heated sports seats. The creature comforts offered by BMW as an option were included as standard on the interior. The company made over 2,000 modifications to the redesigned interior in total.

The exterior changes include a front chin spoiler with Alpina lettering, a three piece rear lip spoiler, 18-inch Alpina Dynamic alloy wheels (4 set of spokes in a 5 spoke design; 19-inch wheels in the Luxury trim) wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tyres measuring 235/35 R19 on the front and 265/30 R19 on the rear and "Roadster S" badging at the rear and "3.4 S" badging on the front quarter-panels. The car was available in Alpina Blue (available at a premium), Sterling Grey, Japan Red (the launch colour of the car), Black Sapphire, Titanium Silver, Royal Red and Maldives Blue exterior colours. The Roadster S was also available with an optional hard top.

The suspension system consisted of Alpina specific dampers and Eibach springs with no other major changes.



BMW Z4M Roadster:

Launched in late 2006.

Weighing 1,450 kg (3,197 lb) the M Roadster has a 0-60 mph of 4.7 seconds. Top speed is limited 155 mph). The external dimensions of the Z4 M Roadster were the same as the standard Z4.

Engine
The M Coupe and M Roadster are powered by the BMW S54 straight-six engine from the E46 M3. The engine had fly-by-wire throttle and dual VANOS (variable valve timing). In most countries, the engine produces 252 kW (338 bhp) at 7,900 rpm and 365 N⋅m (269 lb⋅ft) at 4,900 rpm- the same outputs as in the M3. The engine has a redline of 8,000 rpm. Cars sold in North America have 250 kW (330 bhp) at 7,900 rpm and 355 N⋅m (262 lb⋅ft) at 4,900 rpm.

Drivetrain
The engine was mated to a new 6-speed "Type H" ZF manual transmission since the M3's original 6-speed transmission did not fit the Z4's chassis.

It uses the same limited slip diff as the E46 M3.

Chassis
The suspension system consisted of a strut design at the front and a multi-link design at the rear. The springs have higher spring rates and the dampers have a more aggressive setting as compared to the Z4 M roadster.

The Z4 M uses hydraulic power steering, unlike the electric power steering used by the rest of the Z4 range and has thick rimmed steering wheel. Other changes include a wider front track, revised front suspension and steering geometry.

Many components were shared with the E46 M3, including the rear subframe, front suspension control arms and the Continental ContiSport Contact tyres.

Brakes
The braking system shares many parts in common with the E46 M3. The brake calipers are from the M3 Competition model and the brake discs (consisting of aluminum hubs, stainless steel pins, cross drilled iron floating rotors) are from the E46 M3 CSL.

Production
Production began on 4 April 2006 and ended in 2008 when the E85/E86 Z4 was replaced by the E89 Z4. A total of 4,275 M Coupes were produced, and 5,070 M Roadsters. This included 1,815 M Coupes for North America and 3,042 M Roadsters for North America.