2011 Alpina B3 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Alpina B3 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 187 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (168 HP @ 3000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 238 kg more than 2011 Alpina B3.
Because 2011 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Alpina B3 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | E |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1798 kg |
