2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 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 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (362 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2003 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 365 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
