1997 Alpina B 10 vs. 1996 BMW 523
To start off, 1997 Alpina B 10 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 4,619 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Alpina B 10 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alpina B 10 (340 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alpina B 10 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alpina B 10 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1996 BMW 523. 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, 1997 Alpina B 10 (471 Nm) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm). This means 1997 Alpina B 10 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alpina B 10 | 1996 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B 10 | 523 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4619 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2840 mm |
