1997 Alpina B 10 vs. 1996 BMW 540
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 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 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 58 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alpina B 10 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1997 Alpina B 10.
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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm). This means 1997 Alpina B 10 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1997 Alpina B 10 has manual transmission. 1997 Alpina B 10 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alpina B 10 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B 10 | 540 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4619 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1735 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 |
