2010 Alpina B3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Alpina B3 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alpina B3 (355 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alpina B3 weights approximately 144 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Alpina B3 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2010 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2010 Alpina B3 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Alpina B3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Alpina B3 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alpina | Volkswagen |
| Model | B3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2578 mm |
