2004 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2001 Alpina B3
To start off, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alpina B3 would be higher. At 3,348 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alpina B3 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2001 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alpina |
| Model | 156 | B3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 3348 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
