2009 Alpina B3 vs. 1949 Bristol 400
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 60 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B3 weights approximately 282 kg more than 1949 Bristol 400. 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, 2009 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B3 | 1949 Bristol 400 | |
| Make | Alpina | Bristol |
| Model | B3 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 54 L |
