2005 Alpina B3 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Alpina B3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 2005 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 405 kg more than 2005 Alpina B3. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 404 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alpina B3 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3348 cc | 7291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 766 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
