2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alpina B3 would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 425 kg more than 2003 Alpina B3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.9 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
