2004 Alpina B3 vs. 1978 Mazda 818
To start off, 2004 Alpina B3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 818 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 233 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alpina B3 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1978 Mazda 818. 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 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 1978 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Alpina | Mazda |
| Model | B3 | 818 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2320 mm |
