2008 Alpina B5 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (349 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B5 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2008 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B5 | E |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 314 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 12.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
