2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1998 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 850 kg more than 1998 Citroen Xsara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Citroen Xsara, 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 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Citroen Xsara. (210 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1998 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Alpina | Citroen |
| Model | B3 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1909 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2550 mm |
