2004 Alpina B3 vs. 1966 Bristol 409
To start off, 2004 Alpina B3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Bristol 409. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Bristol 409 would be higher. At 5,211 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Bristol 409 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1966 Bristol 409. (215 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1966 Bristol 409. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Bristol 409 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2004 Alpina B3.
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, 1966 Bristol 409 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1966 Bristol 409 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 1966 Bristol 409 | |
| Make | Alpina | Bristol |
| Model | B3 | 409 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 5211 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 81 L |
