2008 Alpina B5 vs. 1998 Jaguar XJ8
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Jaguar XJ8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Jaguar XJ8 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1998 Jaguar XJ8. (290 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1998 Jaguar XJ8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jaguar XJ8 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2008 Alpina B5.
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 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Jaguar XJ8. (525 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Jaguar XJ8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 1998 Jaguar XJ8 | |
| Make | Alpina | Jaguar |
| Model | B5 | XJ8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 525 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 314 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 87 L |
