1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2010 Alpina B5
To start off, 2010 Alpina B5 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 373 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alpina B5 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 530 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 2010 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alpina |
| Model | C | B5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
