2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage 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 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2012 Kia Sportage. (260 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 448 kg more than 2012 Kia Sportage. 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 Kia Sportage, 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, 2012 Kia Sportage (364 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Alpina | Kia |
| Model | B3 | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
