2005 Alpina B3 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2005 Alpina B3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 3,348 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alpina B3 weights approximately 127 kg more than 1968 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 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alpina B3 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3348 cc | 2308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
