2004 Alpina B3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI is newer by 8 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 69 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (232 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alpina B3 weights approximately 49 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. 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, 2012 Volkswagen GTI, 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen GTI. (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen GTI.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 2012 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Alpina | Volkswagen |
| Model | B3 | GTI |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 246 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
