2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Ascona 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 159 more horse power than 1979 Opel Ascona. (142 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 563 kg more than 1979 Opel Ascona. 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 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Opel Ascona. (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Alpina | Opel |
| Model | B3 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3344 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
