2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2009 Alpina B3
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2009 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 498 kg more than 2009 Alpina B3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 438 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2009 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alpina |
| Model | SL | B3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 93.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 271 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 63 L |
