2003 Alpina B 10 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Alpina B 10 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 67 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B 10 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 300 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Alpina B 10 (490 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B 10 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B 10 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B 10 | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4618 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
