1978 BMW 725 vs. 2011 Alpina B5
To start off, 2011 Alpina B5 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 725 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 345 more horse power than 1978 BMW 725. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 725.
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, 2011 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 485 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 725. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 725.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 725 | 2011 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 725 | B5 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2890 mm |
