2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1974 Volvo 343
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 343 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 231 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 702 kg more than 1974 Volvo 343. 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 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 343. (107 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1974 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volvo |
| Model | B3 | 343 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3344 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 943 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
