2001 Alpina B3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 308 more horse power than 2001 Alpina B3. (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2001 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 640 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 638 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | SL |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
