1948 Bristol 401 vs. 2009 Alpina B3
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 61 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 401 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 216 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B3 weights approximately 227 kg more than 1948 Bristol 401. 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 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401. 2009 Alpina B3 has automatic transmission and 1948 Bristol 401 has manual transmission. 1948 Bristol 401 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Alpina B3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Bristol 401 | 2009 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Bristol | Alpina |
| Model | 401 | B3 |
| Year Released | 1948 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1969 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 93.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 271 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 63 L |
