2001 Alpina B3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 11 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 33 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (263 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 280 kg more than 2001 Alpina B3.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | C |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 66 L |
