2007 Alpina B5 vs. 1990 BMW 850
To start off, 2007 Alpina B5 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1990 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1990 BMW 850. (297 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alpina B5 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1990 BMW 850. 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 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 850. (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2007 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alpina B5 | 1990 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B5 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 52 L |
