2006 Alpina B5 vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Alpina B5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Alpina B5 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alpina B5 (492 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 344 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3.
Because 2006 Alpina B5 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 2006 Alpina B5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 2006 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 517 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2006 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Alpina B5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alpina B5 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alpina | Mazda |
| Model | B5 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
