2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 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 151 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. 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 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 10.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.9 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
