2004 Alpina B3 vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2004 Alpina B3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina 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 215 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alpina B3 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina. 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, 2004 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Alpina | Ford |
| Model | B3 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
