1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2010 Alpina B5
To start off, 2010 Alpina B5 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 311 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alpina B5 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 2010 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2010 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alpina |
| Model | 280 | B5 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 309 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
