2006 Alpina B3 vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 2006 Alpina B3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2006 Alpina B3.
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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450. (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2006 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alpina B3 | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B3 | 450 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 271 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
