2001 Alpina B3 vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S
To start off, 2001 Alpina B3 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alpina B3 (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 40 kg more than 2001 Alpina B3.
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, 2001 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | 300S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 85 L |
