2005 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2001 Alpina B3
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alpina B3 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alpina B3 (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alpina B3 weights approximately 230 kg more than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2001 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156. (147 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2001 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alpina |
| Model | 156 | B3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
