1999 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Alpina B7
To start off, 2011 Alpina B7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B7 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1999 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B7 weights approximately 219 kg more than 1999 BMW 540. 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, 2011 Alpina B7 (700 Nm) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 540. (439 Nm). This means 2011 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 540. 2011 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 540 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:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 2011 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 540 | B7 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3140 mm |
