1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 vs. 2009 Alpina B3
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 163 kg more than 2009 Alpina B3.
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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | 2009 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alpina |
| Model | 500 | B3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 404 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 93.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 271 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2730 mm |
