2003 Alpina B7 vs. 1989 Volvo 460
To start off, 2003 Alpina B7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volvo 460. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volvo 460 would be higher. At 4,399 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B7 (492 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 382 more horse power than 1989 Volvo 460. (110 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volvo 460. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B7 weights approximately 936 kg more than 1989 Volvo 460. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Alpina B7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 460, 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, 2003 Alpina B7 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 535 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volvo 460. (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volvo 460. 2003 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1989 Volvo 460 has manual transmission. 1989 Volvo 460 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B7 | 1989 Volvo 460 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volvo |
| Model | B7 | 460 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4399 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 295 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1054 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 60 L |
