2003 Alpina B7 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2003 Alpina B7 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B7 (492 HP) has 358 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B7 weights approximately 512 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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 B7 (700 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 495 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B7 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B7 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 72 L |
