2006 BMW M5 vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M5 would be higher. At 4,998 cc (10 cylinders), 2006 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 500 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 350 kg more than 2006 BMW M5.
Because 2006 BMW M5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Alpina B7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW M5 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M5. (519 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M5. 2012 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M5 | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | M5 | B7 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4998 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 519 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 5225 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1494 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3211 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.6 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 82 L |
