2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1958 BMW 501
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 501 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 163 more horse power than 1958 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1958 BMW 501. 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 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 501. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1958 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 501 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 3168 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2840 mm |
