2009 Alpina B3 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 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 50 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (251 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B3 weights approximately 982 kg more than 2004 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 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B3 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Alpina | Caterham |
| Model | B3 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 271 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2230 mm |
