2001 Alpina B3 vs. 2003 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alpina B3 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alpina B3 (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2003 Vauxhall Astra. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alpina B3 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2003 Vauxhall Astra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Alpina B3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2001 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Vauxhall Astra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Vauxhall Astra. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Vauxhall Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 2003 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Alpina | Vauxhall |
| Model | B3 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
