1971 BMW 3 vs. 2011 Alpina B5
To start off, 2011 Alpina B5 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 323 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B5 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. 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, 2011 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 446 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2011 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Alpina B5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2011 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 3 | B5 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 300 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2890 mm |
