2005 Alpina B3 vs. 1976 Volvo 260
To start off, 2005 Alpina B3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 260 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 153 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 260. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volvo 260. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alpina B3 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1976 Volvo 260. 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 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 260. (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 260.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alpina B3 | 1976 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volvo |
| Model | B3 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
