2001 Alpina B3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 7 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 3,348 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz B. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alpina B3 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz B. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz B, 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz B. (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz B.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | B |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3348 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
