2006 Alpina B3 vs. 1948 Bristol 401
To start off, 2006 Alpina B3 is newer by 58 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 401. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 401 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 401. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 401. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alpina B3 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1948 Bristol 401. 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, 2006 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 401. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 401.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alpina B3 | 1948 Bristol 401 | |
| Make | Alpina | Bristol |
| Model | B3 | 401 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 271 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 77 L |
