2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1998 Volvo S80
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volvo S80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volvo S80 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 100 more horse power than 1998 Volvo S80. (201 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo S80 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2003 Alpina B3.
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 Volvo S80, 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 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Volvo S80. (260 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Volvo S80.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1998 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volvo |
| Model | B3 | S80 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2922 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.9 L/100km | 15.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
