2008 Alpina B3 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2008 Alpina B3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B3 (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B3 weights approximately 985 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Alpina B3 (335 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B3 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alpina | Caterham |
| Model | B3 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2230 mm |
