2003 Alpina B 10 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 2003 Alpina B 10 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 4,618 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B 10 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B 10 (342 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (231 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B 10 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B 10 weights approximately 115 kg more than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. 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, 2003 Alpina B 10 (490 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B 10 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 has automatic transmission and 2003 Alpina B 10 has manual transmission. 2003 Alpina B 10 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B 10 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B 10 | 420 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4618 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3080 mm |
