1997 Alpina B 10 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alpina B 10. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alpina B 10 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 76 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (264 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alpina B 10 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 115 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alpina B 10. (471 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alpina B 10. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alpina B 10 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B 10 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4619 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2875 mm |
