2009 Alpina B3 vs. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 would be higher. At 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 2009 Alpina B3. (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2009 Alpina B3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B3 weights approximately 504 kg more than 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500.
Because 2009 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 2009 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500, 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 Ford Shelby GT 500 (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B3 | 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Alpina | Ford |
| Model | B3 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
