2006 BMW 550 vs. 2011 Alpina B5
To start off, 2011 Alpina B5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,801 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2006 BMW 550. (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 550.
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, 2011 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 550. (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 550.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 2011 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 550 | B5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4801 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
