2001 Alpina B3 vs. 1977 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2001 Alpina B3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercedes-Benz S 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 138 more horse power than 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 130 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 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 1977 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | S |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 85 L |
