1998 BMW 325 vs. 2011 Alpina B7
To start off, 2011 Alpina B7 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 325 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B7 weights approximately 885 kg more than 1998 BMW 325. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 BMW 325. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B7 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 449 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325. 2011 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 2011 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 325 | B7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| 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 | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 2140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 82 L |
