2005 Alpina B3 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2005 Alpina B3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alpina B3 (301 HP) has 167 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alpina B3 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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, 2005 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alpina B3 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
