1999 Alpina B 10 vs. 1972 BMW 520
To start off, 1999 Alpina B 10 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 4,618 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Alpina B 10 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alpina B 10 (342 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alpina B 10 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alpina B 10 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. 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, 1999 Alpina B 10 (490 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1999 Alpina B 10 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alpina B 10 | 1972 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B 10 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4618 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2770 mm |
