1998 Alpina B 12 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, both 1998 Alpina B 12 and 1998 Mercedes-Benz S were released in the same year (1998). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 85 kg more than 1998 Alpina B 12.
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, 1998 Alpina B 12 (469 Nm) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (460 Nm). This means 1998 Alpina B 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1998 Alpina B 12 has manual transmission. 1998 Alpina B 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alpina B 12 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B 12 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 4965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 302 HP |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2970 mm |
