1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (580 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 SL.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alpina |
Model | SL | B7 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5956 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 375 HP | 500 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 580 Nm | 699 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 2070 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5085 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1902 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1483 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3071 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 16.2 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 82 L |