1996 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (343 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 464 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 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 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (480 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alpina |
| Model | E | B7 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 343 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 2140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.5 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 82 L |
