2003 Alpina B7 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Alpina B7 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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 302 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B7 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. 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 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. 2003 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B7 | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
