2001 Alpina B3 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2001 Alpina B3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,348 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alpina B3 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. 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, 2001 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3348 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
