2004 Alpina B3 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2006 Volvo S40 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Alpina B3 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 133 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S40. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alpina B3 weights approximately 17 kg more than 2006 Volvo S40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Volvo S40, 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 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo S40. (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volvo |
| Model | B3 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1433 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
