Car comparison

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3SvsAUDI A8 (D3/4E) 4.2 V8 40V

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Alpina B3 (E46)

3.3 i 24V B3S

305 hp3346 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan2003-2005
VS

AUDI A8 (D3/4E)

4.2 V8 40V

335 hp4172 ccGasolineAWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan2002-2005

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.4 s
  • Fastest top speed
    280 km/h
    174 mph Unrestricted
    270 km/h
    168 mph Restricted
  • Lightest
    1,450 kg
    3,197 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    210 hp/t
    157 kW/t
    4.8 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    10.9 L/100 km
    21.6 mpg US
    25.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    16.2 L/100 km
    14.5 mpg US
    17.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    7.9 L/100 km
    29.8 mpg US
    35.8 mpg UK
  • Best overall score
    69/100
  • Best performance score
    68/100
  • Best economy score
    78/100

AUDI A8 (D3/4E) 4.2 V8 40V

  • Most powerful
    335 hp
    250 kW
  • Highest torque
    430 Nm
    317 lb-ft
  • Best estimated range
    750 km
    466 mi
  • Largest trunk
    500 L
  • Best practicality score
    76/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3SAUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
Power
305hp227kW
335hp250kW
Torque
362Nm267lb-ft
430Nm317lb-ft
Curb weight
1,450kg3,197lb
1,780kg3,924lb
Gross weight
1,950kg4,299lb
2,380kg5,247lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
56.3s99% target: 277 km/h / 172 mph
Calculated
63.4s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.4s
6.3s
0-200 km/h
15.3s
Calculated
19.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.2s
Calculated
6.0s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
10.9L/100 km21.6mpg US25.9mpg UK
12L/100 km19.6mpg US23.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
16.2L/100 km14.5mpg US17.4mpg UK
17.6L/100 km13.4mpg US16.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
8.8L/100 km26.7mpg US32.1mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.3s
Calculated
14.2s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
210hp/t157kW/t95hp/1000 lb
Calculated
188hp/t140kW/t85hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
250Nm/t167lb-ft/ton
Calculated
242Nm/t162lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
578km359mi
Calculated
750km466mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,346cc204cu in
4,172cc255cu in
Length
4,471mm176in
5,051mm199in
Width
1,739mm68in
1,894mm75in
Height
1,414mm56in
1,444mm57in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,944mm116in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,629mm64in
Rear track
1,481mm58in
1,615mm64in
Trunk volume
440L
500L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
63L
90L
CO2 emissions-
288g/km

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3SAUDI A8 (D3/4E) 4.2 V8 40VPowerTorque
  • Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S: Power / Torque
  • AUDI A8 (D3/4E) 4.2 V8 40V: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S6,300 rpm4,800 rpm6,550 rpm
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V6,500 rpm3,500 rpm6,750 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3SAUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.2 s
6.0 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.4 s
6.3 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
15.3 s
19.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.6 s
330 ft
101 m
6.1 s
6.5 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.9 s
9.5 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.3 s
12.1 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.3 s
14.2 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
185 km/h
115 mph
173 km/h
107 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
305 hp
227 kW
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
335 hp
250 kW

AUDI A8 (D3/4E) 4.2 V8 40V has 30 hp more than Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S.

The biggest power difference is between Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S and AUDI A8 (D3/4E) 4.2 V8 40V: 30 hp (22 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
362 Nm
267 lb-ft
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
430 Nm
317 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
1,450 kg
3,197 lb
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
1,780 kg
3,924 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S5.4 s
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V6.3 s

Although AUDI A8 (D3/4E) 4.2 V8 40V has more power, Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S and AUDI A8 (D3/4E) 4.2 V8 40V: 0.9 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S and AUDI A8 (D3/4E) 4.2 V8 40V: 1.1 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
210 hp/t
157 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
188 hp/t
140 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
578 km
359 mi
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
750 km
466 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
305 hp
227 kW
5.4 s
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
335 hp
250 kW
6.3 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
Power
305 hp
227 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,414 mm
55.7 in
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
Power
335 hp
250 kW
0-100 km/h6.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
5,051 mm
198.9 in
Height
1,444 mm
56.9 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
Power
305 hp
227 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
Power
335 hp
250 kW
0-100 km/h6.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
5.4 s
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
6.3 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
AlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3S
210 hp/t
157 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
AUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
188 hp/t
140 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleAlpinaB3 (E46)3.3 i 24V B3SAUDIA8 (D3/4E)4.2 V8 40V
Power
305 hp
227 kW
335 hp
250 kW
Torque
362 Nm
267 lb-ft
430 Nm
317 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.4 s
6.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,450 kg
3,197 lb
1,780 kg
3,924 lb
Fuel consumption
10.9 L/100 km
21.6 mpg US
25.9 mpg UK
12.0 L/100 km
19.6 mpg US
23.5 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,414 mm
55.7 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
5,051 mm
198.9 in
Height
1,444 mm
56.9 in
Range score
578 km
359 mi
750 km
466 mi
CO2 score
-
288 g/km
Trunk score
440 L
15.5 cu ft
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
210 hp/t
157 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
188 hp/t
140 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleAlpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3SAUDI A8 (D3/4E) 4.2 V8 40V
Consumption10.9 L/100 km21.6 mpg US25.9 mpg UK12 L/100 km19.6 mpg US23.5 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.08 LC100 km21.00 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi30.70 LC100 mi33.80 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,635 L432 US gal360 UK gal1,800 L476 US gal396 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,861 LC/year3,150 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S

  • Is 330 kg lighter
  • Is 0.9 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 15 km/h (9 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 1.1 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 22 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Smallest trunk

AUDI A8 (D3/4E) 4.2 V8 40V

  • Has 30 hp more
  • Has 68 Nm more
  • Has 172 km (107 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 60 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S
AUDI A8 (D3/4E) 4.2 V8 40V
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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Alpina B3 (E46) 3.3 i 24V B3S vs AUDI A8 (D3/4E) 4.2 V8 40V - car comparison - FastVsFaster