1988 Buick Electra vs. 2011 Alpina B5
To start off, 2011 Alpina B5 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Buick Electra 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 330 more horse power than 1988 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1988 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B5 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1988 Buick Electra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Alpina B5 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Alpina B5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Electra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 415 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Buick Electra. (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Buick Electra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Electra | 2011 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | Buick | Alpina |
| Model | Electra | B5 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2890 mm |
