2007 Alpina B5 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2007 Alpina B5 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 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 211 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 93 kg more than 2007 Alpina B5.
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 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540. 2007 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 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 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B5 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 314 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1722 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
