2004 Alpina B3 vs. 1990 Volvo 460
To start off, 2004 Alpina B3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volvo 460. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volvo 460 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 181 more horse power than 1990 Volvo 460. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volvo 460. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alpina B3 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1990 Volvo 460. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Alpina B3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volvo 460, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volvo 460. (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2004 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volvo 460.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 1990 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volvo |
| Model | B3 | 460 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
