2008 Alpina B5 vs. 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport 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 310 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (183 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B5 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport, 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, 2008 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 415 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport. (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 1998 Chevrolet Trans Sport | |
| Make | Alpina | Chevrolet |
| Model | B5 | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 3348 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3050 mm |
