1998 Jensen SV-8 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 Jensen SV-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Jensen SV-8 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1998 Jensen SV-8. (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Jensen SV-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 905 kg more than 1998 Jensen SV-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Jensen SV-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Jensen SV-8. (440 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Jensen SV-8. 2012 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1998 Jensen SV-8 has manual transmission. 1998 Jensen SV-8 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 Jensen SV-8 | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Jensen | Alpina |
| Model | SV-8 | B7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 2205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 5225 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1494 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3211 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 82 L |
