2001 Alpina B3 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Alpina B3 is newer by 23 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 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alpina B3 (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alpina B3 weights approximately 10 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, 2001 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Alpina B3 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Alpina | Pontiac |
Model | B3 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3346 cc | 3790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 296 HP | 125 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 362 Nm | 332 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |