1992 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1992 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1992 BMW 540. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1992 BMW 540. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 540. (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 540 | B7 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 2205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5225 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1494 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3211 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 82 L |
