2008 Alpina B5 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 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 @ 5500 RPM) has 377 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B5 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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 520 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 2008 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 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 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B5 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
