1992 BMW 538 vs. 2010 Alpina B5
To start off, 2010 Alpina B5 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 538. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 538 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 152 more horse power than 1992 BMW 538. (341 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 538. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 538 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2010 Alpina B5.
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 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 538. (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2010 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 538.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 538 | 2010 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 538 | B5 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 341 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
