2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2001 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 570 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. 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, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am, 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) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. (278 Nm). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2001 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Alpina | Pontiac |
| Model | B3 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2720 mm |
