2006 Alpina B5 vs. 1981 BMW 525
To start off, 2006 Alpina B5 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alpina B5 (492 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 344 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525.
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, 2006 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 485 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525. 2006 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Alpina B5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alpina B5 | 1981 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B5 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 71.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
