2008 Alpina B5 vs. 1969 Cadillac Calais
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Cadillac Calais. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Cadillac Calais would be higher. At 7,734 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Cadillac Calais is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1969 Cadillac Calais. (228 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1969 Cadillac Calais. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Cadillac Calais weights approximately 355 kg more than 2008 Alpina B5.
Because 2008 Alpina B5 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Alpina B5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1969 Cadillac Calais, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1969 Cadillac Calais (710 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alpina B5. (700 Nm). This means 1969 Cadillac Calais will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alpina B5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 1969 Cadillac Calais | |
| Make | Alpina | Cadillac |
| Model | B5 | Calais |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 7734 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 710 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 109.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 82 L |
