1996 Alfa Romeo GTV vs. 2003 Alpina B7
To start off, 2003 Alpina B7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B7 (492 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B7 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Alpina B7 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 2003 Alpina B7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV, 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, 2003 Alpina B7 (700 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV. (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV. 2003 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV has manual transmission. 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Alfa Romeo GTV | 2003 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Alpina |
| Model | GTV | B7 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 492 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
