2003 Alpina B7 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 9 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B7 (492 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL. (210 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 500 kg more than 2003 Alpina B7.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Alpina B7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 @ 3000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL. (542 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B7 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B7 | GL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 2500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 100 L |
