2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1949 Austin A 40
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 1030 kg more than 1949 Austin A 40. 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, 2003 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1949 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alpina | Austin |
| Model | B3 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
