2008 Alpina B3 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Alpina B3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B3 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alpina B3. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B3 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Alpina | Pontiac |
| Model | B3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 264 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
