2003 Alpina Roadster S Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Alpina Roadster S is approximately 1320 kg (2,910 lbs), which reflects the vehicle's weight without passengers or cargo but with all necessary operating consumables. The maximum weight, or gross vehicle weight rating, is 1620 kg (3,571 lbs). This means the car can safely carry an additional 300 kg (661 lbs) of passengers, luggage, and accessories while maintaining optimal performance and safety standards.

The Alpina Roadster S offers a luggage capacity of 240 liters (8.47 cubic feet) with the rear seats up, which is quite generous for a cabriolet in this performance segment. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage volume slightly increases to 260 liters (9.18 cubic feet). This increase allows for a bit more flexibility when carrying longer or bulkier items, accommodating varied storage needs while maintaining the car's sporty configuration.

Yes, the Alpina Roadster S fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a width of 1780 mm (70.1 inches) and a height of 1300 mm (51.2 inches), the car's compact and low profile ensures easy parking in typical garage spaces, which are usually around 2400 mm (94.5 inches) wide and 2100 mm (82.7 inches) high. The length of 4090 mm (161 inches) is also well within standard garage depths, ensuring that parking and maneuvering in most homes should be hassle-free.

The Alpina Roadster S is equipped with 19-inch rims sized between 8.5J to 9.5J, paired with staggered tires for optimal performance. The front tires measure 235/35 R19, while the rear tires are wider at 265/30 R19, providing enhanced grip and handling characteristics. This staggered setup improves traction during acceleration and enhances cornering stability, all crucial for a high-performance cabriolet like the Roadster S.

The Alpina Roadster S, produced from 2003 to 2006, largely builds upon the BMW Z4 platform of that era. Compared to the earlier Z3-based Alpina Roadsters, the Roadster S is slightly longer and wider, measuring 4090 mm in length and 1780 mm in width. These dimensional increases translate into improved interior space and road presence. The height remains relatively low at 1300 mm, preserving the car's aerodynamic profile. The Roadster S's increased curb weight of 1320 kg also reflects additional features and enhancements over previous models.

When compared to similar sports cabriolets of the early 2000s, such as the Porsche Boxster or Audi TT Roadster, the Alpina Roadster S is competitive in dimensions and performance. The Roadster S’s length of 4090 mm and width of 1780 mm place it comfortably in the compact sports car category. Its weight of 1320 kg aligns similarly with rivals, balancing agility and stability. The wider rear tires (265/30 R19) enhance rear traction, which can give it a slight edge in handling during spirited driving compared to some competitors that often feature narrower rear tires.

Despite its compact exterior, the Alpina Roadster S offers a relatively comfortable interior space for a two-seater sports cabriolet. Its design ensures adequate headroom and legroom for driver and passenger, though taller individuals may find the low roofline slightly limiting. The cabin emphasizes driver engagement and sportiness over spaciousness. The modest luggage capacity of 240 liters reflects the car’s focus on dynamic driving characteristics rather than cargo volume.

At 1320 kg (2,910 lbs), the curb weight of the Alpina Roadster S is fairly lightweight for a luxury performance cabriolet, contributing significantly to its nimble handling and responsive driving dynamics. The relatively low weight allows for quicker acceleration and sharp cornering without excessive body roll. Additionally, the lighter mass positively impacts fuel efficiency compared to heavier vehicles in its class, though as a high-performance machine, fuel economy is not its primary focus.

The Alpina Roadster S’s rims measure 19 inches with a width varying between 8.5J and 9.5J, hosting tires sized 235/35 R19 in front and 265/30 R19 at the rear. This staggered tire setup improves traction because the wider rear tires provide superior grip during acceleration and high-speed cornering, balancing the car’s rear-wheel-drive layout. The large rim size complements the compact dimensions by enhancing handling precision and braking performance, while also adding a commanding aesthetic presence fitting for a high-end sports cabriolet.