2006 Alpina B5 vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2006 Alpina B5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 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 2001 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318.
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 500 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2006 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 318 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 | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B5 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 9.3 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 | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
