1949 Austin A 90 vs. 2011 Alpina B3
To start off, 2011 Alpina B3 is newer by 62 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 90 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 268 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 90. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B3 weights approximately 201 kg more than 1949 Austin A 90. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1949 Austin A 90. 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 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 90. (190 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 90. 2011 Alpina B3 has automatic transmission and 1949 Austin A 90 has manual transmission. 1949 Austin A 90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Alpina B3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 90 | 2011 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Austin | Alpina |
| Model | A 90 | B3 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1359 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
