2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1968 Citroen DS
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Citroen DS 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 203 more horse power than 1968 Citroen DS. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Citroen DS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 790 kg more than 1968 Citroen DS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Alpina B3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Citroen DS, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Citroen DS. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Citroen DS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1968 Citroen DS | |
| Make | Alpina | Citroen |
| Model | B3 | DS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 3130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
