2009 Alpina B3 vs. 1959 Volvo 120
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volvo 120 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 242 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B3 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1959 Volvo 120. 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 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (115 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B3 | 1959 Volvo 120 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volvo |
| Model | B3 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1581 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |
