Alpina C1 E21 2.3 (170 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

E21 Overview:

Alpina C1 (E21). With 210 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.9 s). The top speed reaches 208 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
As a vehicle from the early 1980s, the Alpina C1 (E21) predates modern safety standards and Euro NCAP testing. Its passive safety features would be rudimentary by contemporary measures, focusing more on structural integrity of the era.

2.3 (170 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

The 2.3-liter inline-six engine delivers exceptional performance for its era, offering brisk acceleration (7.9s 0-100km/h) and a respectable top speed, characteristic of Alpina's meticulous tuning prowess.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption of 8.1 l/100 km combined is typical for a performance-oriented naturally aspirated engine from the early 1980s, acceptable given its power output but not a strong point by modern standards.

Best Use Case: Spirited Driving / Weekend Cruiser

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional performance for its era
  • • Rare and highly collectible status
  • • Distinctive Alpina styling and tuning
  • • Engaging driving dynamics and handling
  • • Robust and characterful inline-six engine

Cons:

  • • High acquisition and maintenance costs
  • • Limited modern safety features
  • • Fuel economy is not a priority
  • • Parts can be scarce and expensive
  • • Ride might be firm for some

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Alpina
Model:C1
Generation:E21
Modification (Engine):2.3 (170 Hp)
Start of production:1980
End of production:1983
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:2
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:170 Hp
Power per litre:73.4 Hp/l
Torque:210 Nm
Engine displacement:2316
Number of cylinders:6
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.9 sec
Maximum speed:208 km/h
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.5 sec
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive

Behind the wheel of the Alpina C1. How does it handle on the road?