2003 Alpina B7 vs. 2008 Volkswagen GLI
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen GLI 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 @ 5500 RPM) has 292 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen GLI. (200 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen GLI. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B7 weights approximately 754 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen GLI. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen GLI is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Alpina B7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen GLI will offer significantly more control. 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 419 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen GLI. (281 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen GLI. 2003 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen GLI has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen GLI 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 Volkswagen GLI | |
| Make | Alpina | Volkswagen |
| Model | B7 | GLI |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4399 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1236 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 55 L |
