2006 Alpina B5 vs. 2001 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2006 Alpina B5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen W12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen W12 would be higher. At 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2001 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Volkswagen W12 (590 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2006 Alpina B5. (492 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alpina B5.
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 (701 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen W12. (620 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 2006 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen W12. 2006 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen W12 has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen W12 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 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volkswagen |
| Model | B5 | W12 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 492 HP | 590 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 701 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 314 km/hour | 350 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2520 mm |
