2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500.
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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
