1974 Ford Cortina vs. 2008 Alpina B3
To start off, 2008 Alpina B3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B3 weights approximately 507 kg more than 1974 Ford Cortina. 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, 2008 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina. 2008 Alpina B3 has automatic transmission and 1974 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1974 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Alpina B3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 2008 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Ford | Alpina |
| Model | Cortina | B3 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 93.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
