2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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 3,344 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2003 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C. (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3344 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1520 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
