2008 Alpina B3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 4 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 101 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B3 weights approximately 72 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 2008 Alpina B3 has manual transmission. 2008 Alpina B3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Alpina B3 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Alpina | Volkswagen |
Model | B3 | Beetle |
Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 301 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 362 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |