2001 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2011 Alpina B7
To start off, 2011 Alpina B7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B7 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 393 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. (100 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B7 weights approximately 920 kg more than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Alpina B7 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 2011 Alpina B7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2011 Alpina B7 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 549 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. (151 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercedes-Benz A | 2011 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alpina |
| Model | A | B7 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 300 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 88 L |
