2006 Alpina B3 vs. 1981 Lancia Beta
To start off, 2006 Alpina B3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta 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 201 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alpina B3 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1981 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Alpina B3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alpina B3 | 1981 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Alpina | Lancia |
| Model | B3 | Beta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 264 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
