2006 Alpina B3 vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 2006 Alpina B3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,347 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alpina B3 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1972 BMW 3. 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 (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alpina B3 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B3 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3347 cc | 3003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Top Speed | 266 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
