2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2003 Opel Astra
To start off, both 2003 Alpina B3 and 2003 Opel Astra were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2003 Opel Astra. (142 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 330 kg more than 2003 Opel Astra. 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, 2003 Opel Astra, 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 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Astra. (204 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2003 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Alpina | Opel |
| Model | B3 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 53 L |
