2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 9 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2012 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 179 kg more than 2012 Ford Taurus. 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, 2012 Ford Taurus, 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Taurus. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Alpina | Ford |
| Model | B3 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
