2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1996 Ferrari 550
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari 550 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 2003 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2003 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1996 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | Alpina | Ferrari |
| Model | B3 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3344 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 568 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 114 L |
