2003 Alpina B7 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 Alpina B7 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 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 @ 5500 RPM) has 376 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B7 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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 520 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B7 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B7 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 63 L |
