2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 5 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 3,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (276 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 225 kg more than 2003 Alpina B3.
Because 2003 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mercedes-Benz C. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina B3. (335 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3300 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 254 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.6 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
