2007 Alpina B5 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2007 Alpina B5 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (362 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 230 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 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alpina B5 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B5 | S |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 13.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 88 L |
