1993 BMW 856 vs. 2011 Alpina B5
To start off, 2011 Alpina B5 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 BMW 856. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 BMW 856 would be higher. At 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1993 BMW 856 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1993 BMW 856. (376 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1993 BMW 856. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 856 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 BMW 856. (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 BMW 856. 2011 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1993 BMW 856 has manual transmission. 1993 BMW 856 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Alpina B5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW 856 | 2011 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 856 | B5 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5576 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2890 mm |
