2004 Alpina B3 vs. 1978 BMW 725
To start off, 2004 Alpina B3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 725 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1978 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 725.
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, 2004 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 1978 BMW 725 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 725 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
