1999 Alpina B 12 vs. 1997 BMW 850
To start off, 1999 Alpina B 12 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1999 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alpina B 12. (469 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alpina B 12. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1999 Alpina B 12 has manual transmission. 1999 Alpina B 12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alpina B 12 | 1997 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B 12 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 5379 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 329 HP |
| Torque | 469 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Top Speed | 251 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2690 mm |
