2004 Alpina B3 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 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 83 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (218 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alpina B3 weights approximately 500 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Alpina | Lotus |
| Model | B3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
