2002 Alpina B3 vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, both 2002 Alpina B3 and 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle were released in the same year (2002). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 227 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alpina B3 weights approximately 238 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2002 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alpina B3 | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Alpina | Volkswagen |
| Model | B3 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 55 L |
