2003 Alpina B7 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alpina B7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alpina B7 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) has 317 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B7 weights approximately 710 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. 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 @ 4250 RPM) has 470 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 2003 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 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 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B7 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4399 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
