2002 Alpina B 10 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Alpina B 10 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alpina B 10 (342 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alpina B 10 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 150 kg more than 2002 Alpina B 10.
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, 2002 Alpina B 10 (490 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2002 Alpina B 10 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2002 Alpina B 10 has manual transmission. 2002 Alpina B 10 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alpina B 10 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B 10 | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4619 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2520 mm |
