2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 2 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 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 208 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz B. (94 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 178 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz B. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz B, 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 222 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz B. (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz B.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | B |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 69.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1302 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 54 L |
