2003 Alpina B7 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Alpina B7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B7 (492 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. (469 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B7 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, both vehicles can yield 700 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B7 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B7 | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4399 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 295 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
