2001 Acura RL vs. 2009 Alpina B5
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Acura RL would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 288 more horse power than 2001 Acura RL. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2001 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2001 Acura RL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Alpina B5 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Alpina B5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 396 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura RL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 2009 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | Acura | Alpina |
| Model | RL | B5 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
