2005 Alpina B3 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 Alpina B3 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan 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 @ 6300 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alpina B3 weights approximately 890 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. 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 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alpina B3 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alpina | Lotus |
| Model | B3 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 45 L |
