2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1978 Porsche 911
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (277 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1978 Porsche 911. (185 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1978 Porsche 911. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Porsche 911. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 will offer significantly more control. 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 (335 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Porsche 911. (265 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1978 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Alpina | Porsche |
| Model | B3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
