2008 Alpina B3 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alpina B3 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (156 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B3 weights approximately 200 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, 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, 2008 Alpina B3 (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt. (203 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B3 | 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt | |
| Make | Alpina | Chevrolet |
| Model | B3 | Cobalt |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 49 L |
