1998 BMW 323 vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 558 kg more than 1998 BMW 323. 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 Alpina B7 (699 Nm) has 453 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 323. (246 Nm). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 323. 2012 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 323 | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
Make | BMW | Alpina |
Model | 323 | B7 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4400 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 500 HP |
Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 246 Nm | 699 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 2105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5225 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1902 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1494 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3211 mm |