2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C
To start off, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C 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 3,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (592 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 2003 Alpina B3. (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C should accelerate faster than 2003 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 46 kg more than 2012 McLaren MP4-12C.
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, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2012 McLaren MP4-12C | |
| Make | Alpina | McLaren |
| Model | B3 | MP4-12C |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 592 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1199 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
