2008 Alpina B3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2008 Alpina B3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz R would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz R (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 2008 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 715 kg more than 2008 Alpina B3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Alpina B3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz R 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz R (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | R |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3347 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
