2007 Alpina B5 vs. 1995 Caterham 21
To start off, 2007 Alpina B5 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham 21 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 355 more horse power than 1995 Caterham 21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alpina B5 weights approximately 1074 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21. 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 544 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21. 2007 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1995 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 1995 Caterham 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Alpina B5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alpina B5 | 1995 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | Alpina | Caterham |
| Model | B5 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 314 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1722 kg | 648 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
