1991 Alpina B vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1991 Alpina B is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,646 cc (12 cylinders), 1991 Alpina B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Alpina B (410 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 363 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Alpina B should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Alpina B weights approximately 951 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 Alpina B is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1991 Alpina B. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1991 Alpina B (570 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 487 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Alpina B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Alpina B | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alpina | Volkswagen |
| Model | B | Passat |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 5646 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1866 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2400 mm |
