2007 Alpina B5 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2007 Alpina B5 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 275 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (218 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alpina B5 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 395 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alpina B5 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B5 | 380 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
