2008 Alpina B5 vs. 1979 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B5 (493 HP) has 333 more horse power than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2008 Alpina B5 (700 Nm) has 483 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lotus Esprit. 2008 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1979 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1979 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Alpina B5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 1979 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | Alpina | Lotus |
| Model | B5 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2440 mm |
