2008 Volkswagen T5 vs. 2011 Alpina B3
To start off, 2011 Alpina B3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen T5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen T5 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B3 (355 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen T5. (104 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 710 kg more than 2011 Alpina B3.
Because 2011 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen T5. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Alpina B3 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen T5. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen T5. 2011 Alpina B3 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen T5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Alpina B3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen T5 | 2011 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Alpina |
| Model | T5 | B3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2270 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5300 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2730 mm |
