1997 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2010 Alpina B3
To start off, 2010 Alpina B3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alpina B3 (355 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (108 HP @ 4150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alpina B3 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B3 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2010 Alpina B3 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (235 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2010 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. 2010 Alpina B3 has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Alpina B3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Passat | 2010 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alpina |
| Model | Passat | B3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4150 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
