2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1996 Rover 400
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Rover 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Rover 400 would be higher. At 3,344 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1996 Rover 400. (109 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Rover 400.
Because 2003 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 2003 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Rover 400, 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, 2003 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Rover 400. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Rover 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1996 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Alpina | Rover |
| Model | B3 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3344 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2560 mm |
