1996 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Alpina B7
To start off, 2011 Alpina B7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B7 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 381 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B7 weights approximately 988 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Alpina B7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic, 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, 2011 Alpina B7 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 562 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2011 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2011 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Honda | Alpina |
| Model | Civic | B7 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 88 L |
