2002 Alpina B3 vs. 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2002 Alpina B3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alpina B3 weights approximately 291 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 2002 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alpina B3 | 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Alpina | Chevrolet |
| Model | B3 | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 57 L |
