1999 Alpina B3 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Alpina B3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alpina B3 (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alpina B3 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alpina B3. (455 Nm). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alpina B3 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alpina | Pontiac |
| Model | B3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 455 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
