2009 Volvo S40 vs. 2008 Alpina B3
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 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 74 more horse power than 2009 Volvo S40. (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B3 weights approximately 281 kg more than 2009 Volvo S40. 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 Volvo S40, 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volvo S40. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volvo S40 | 2008 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Volvo | Alpina |
| Model | S40 | B3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8 seconds | 5.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1339 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 63 L |
