2009 Alpina B3 vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord 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 211 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B3 weights approximately 516 kg more than 1978 Opel Rekord. 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 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (142 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B3 | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Alpina | Opel |
| Model | B3 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
