2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1960 Austin A 55
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Austin A 55. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Austin A 55 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 250 more horse power than 1960 Austin A 55. (51 HP @ 4350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1960 Austin A 55. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 878 kg more than 1960 Austin A 55. 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 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Austin A 55. (111 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Austin A 55.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1960 Austin A 55 | |
| Make | Alpina | Austin |
| Model | B3 | A 55 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4350 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1122 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
