2002 Alpina B3 vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alpina B3 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 132 more horse power than 2006 Mini Cooper. (169 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alpina B3 weights approximately 267 kg more than 2006 Mini Cooper. 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, 2006 Mini Cooper, 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 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mini Cooper. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alpina B3 | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Alpina | Mini |
| Model | B3 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 50 L |
