2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1979 Fiat 126
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 126 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 277 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 1415 kg more than 1979 Fiat 126. 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 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1979 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Alpina | Fiat |
| Model | B3 | 126 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 1850 mm |
