2001 Alpina B3 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2001 Alpina B3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2001 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2001 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 31 kg more than 2001 Alpina B3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | E |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3348 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 343 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1676 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
