2004 Alpina B3 vs. 2011 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 7 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 129 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 830 kg more than 2004 Alpina B3.
Because 2011 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Alpina B3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen T5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 2011 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volkswagen |
| Model | B3 | T5 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
