2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 8 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 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2003 Alpina B3. (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 255 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | CLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
