2003 Alpina Roadster vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alpina Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alpina Roadster would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2003 Alpina Roadster. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Alpina Roadster.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina Roadster. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alpina Roadster. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 Alpina Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Alpina Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina Roadster | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Roadster | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
