2004 Audi A3 vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Audi A3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Audi A3 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 362 more horse power than 2004 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 680 kg more than 2004 Audi A3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alpina B7 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 2012 Alpina B7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A3, 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 379 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A3. (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A3 | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Audi | Alpina |
| Model | A3 | B7 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.5 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 82 L |
