2009 Alpina B3 vs. 1996 Caterham 7
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B3 weights approximately 1142 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Alpina B3 | 1996 Caterham 7 | |
Make | Alpina | Caterham |
Model | B3 | 7 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 301 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 362 Nm | 156 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
Top Speed | 264 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 478 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 810 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2240 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 36 L |