1997 Alpina B 10 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1997 Alpina B 10. (340 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Alpina B 10. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 550 kg more than 1997 Alpina B 10. 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 Mercedes-Benz S (829 Nm) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alpina B 10. (471 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alpina B 10. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alpina B 10 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B 10 | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4619 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 3165 mm |
