2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 3,344 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 775 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Alpina | Volkswagen |
| Model | B3 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3344 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2430 mm |
