| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1978 - 1983 discontinued in 1983 |
The Alpina B6 (E21) is a distinguished classic sports coupe produced between 1978 and 1983, based on the BMW 3 Series E21 platform. This limited-production model combined Alpina’s signature performance tuning with the compact and sleek design of the late '70s coupe. While exact dimensions vary slightly by model year and specification, the Alpina B6 maintained a sporty and agile silhouette characteristic of European luxury sports cars from that era.
Typically, the Alpina B6 (E21) measures approximately 4,200 mm (165.4 inches) in length, 1,615 mm (63.6 inches) in width, and about 1,340 mm (52.8 inches) in height, making it a compact yet proportioned coupe suitable for spirited driving and urban maneuverability. Its weight is estimated around 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs), reflecting its lightweight construction aimed at enhancing its dynamic driving capabilities.
As a coupe, the B6 features two doors and a distinctive sporty roofline, emphasizing its performance-oriented design. Under the hood, Alpina extensively modified the standard E21 engine to elevate performance, positioning the B6 as a sought-after model among enthusiasts and collectors. The car’s dimensions support a low center of gravity that improves handling, cornering, and rear-wheel-drive traction.
Overall, the Alpina B6 (E21) is a timeless example of 1970s European sports engineering, blending compact dimensions with refined performance and exclusive Alpina craftsmanship. This generation remains a celebrated classic, admired for its combination of elegant design, precise size, and enhanced driving dynamics.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Alpina B6 a leader in its class
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The Alpina B6 (E21) coupe, produced from 1978 to 1983, has dimensions closely aligned with the BMW 3 Series E21 platform it is based upon. Typically, its length is approximately 4,160 mm (163.8 inches), width around 1,600 mm (63 inches), and height roughly 1,350 mm (53.1 inches). These dimensions give it a compact yet sporty stance typical of late 1970s coupes, balancing maneuverability with road presence.
With a height of about 1,350 mm (53.1 inches), the Alpina B6 (E21) maintains a low profile that benefits both aerodynamics and handling characteristics. The relatively low roofline reduces aerodynamic drag, enhancing stability at higher speeds and improving fuel efficiency. Additionally, the low height contributes to a lower center of gravity, which aids in sharp cornering and responsive handling, making the car agile on winding roads and providing a sporty driving experience consistent with Alpina's performance tuning.
The wheelbase of the Alpina B6 (E21) is roughly 2,570 mm (101.2 inches), which is inherited from the BMW E21 platform. This moderate wheelbase offers a balanced trade-off between interior cabin space and handling. While the coupe format means rear passenger space is somewhat limited, the wheelbase provides sufficient legroom for front occupants and contributes to stable ride quality. The wheelbase length supports precise steering response while maintaining comfortable ride dynamics, characteristic of sporty coupes from this era.
The curb weight of the Alpina B6 (E21) is approximately 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs). This relatively lightweight design enhances the car's performance capabilities significantly. A lighter body mass means quicker acceleration, more nimble handling, and improved braking efficiency. Combined with Alpina's tuning enhancements to powertrain and suspension, the light weight helps this coupe deliver an engaging driving experience with responsiveness and agility expected of high-performance vehicles from the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Yes, the Alpina B6 (E21) comfortably fits into a standard residential garage. Typical garages measure around 2,440 mm to 3,050 mm (8 to 10 feet) in width and about 5,500 mm to 6,100 mm (18 to 20 feet) in length. With its compact dimensions of about 4,160 mm (163.8 inches) in length and 1,600 mm (63 inches) in width, the B6 (E21) leaves sufficient clearance on all sides, making parking convenient and safe without concerns over space constraints.
At about 1,600 mm (63 inches) wide, the Alpina B6 (E21) was fairly typical for compact coupes produced during the late 1970s and early 1980s. This width offered a good balance between interior space and easy maneuverability in urban environments. Compared to some contemporaries, the B6's width is modest, promoting nimble cornering and fitment in narrower European streets while still providing sufficient shoulder room for occupants.
The Alpina B6 (E21) is designed as a compact 2-door coupe with seating for four passengers, though rear seats are generally more suitable for occasional use due to limited legroom and headroom. Interior dimensions prioritize driver and front passenger comfort, featuring ergonomically designed seats and controls typical of performance vehicles of the era. Rear passenger space is tighter but adequate for short trips. Overall, this coupe emphasizes driving engagement over spaciousness, offering a snug and sporty cabin atmosphere.
The Alpina B6 (E21) is based on the BMW 3 Series E21 platform, essentially the high-performance variant of the 320 (E21). Size-wise, both cars share similar dimensions with only minor differences resulting from Alpina's tuning and modifications. Performance-wise, the B6 features enhanced engine tuning, improved suspension setups, and distinctive Alpina styling, resulting in greater power output and more dynamic driving characteristics compared to the standard 320. The B6 delivers a sportier, more refined driving experience, making it a desirable upgrade over the base E21 models.
Compared to contemporaries such as the Mercedes-Benz 280CE coupe and the Audi Coupé of the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Alpina B6 (E21) is similar in overall size but tends to be slightly more compact. The 280CE is generally longer and heavier, emphasizing luxury grand touring, whereas the Audi Coupé shares a similar compact coupe footprint. The Alpina B6's dimensions reflect a sportier and lighter design philosophy, focusing more on performance agility than the plushness required by larger grand touring coupes.
The Alpina B6 (E21) typically has a fuel tank capacity of about 55 liters (14.5 US gallons). This capacity offers a reasonable driving range, especially considering the era's fuel efficiencies and engine specifications. Assuming average fuel consumption between 10 and 13 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 18 to 23 miles per gallon), the car can travel between 400 and 550 kilometers (around 250 to 341 miles) on a full tank. This makes it suitable for both spirited weekend drives and longer highway journeys, balancing sportiness with practical usability.
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