2004 Alpina B3 vs. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2004 Alpina B3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (247 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2004 Alpina B3.
Because 2004 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 2004 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2004 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Alpina | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | B3 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
