2008 Alpina B5 vs. 1998 Lancia Kappa
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lancia Kappa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lancia Kappa 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 320 more horse power than 1998 Lancia Kappa. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lancia Kappa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B5 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1998 Lancia Kappa. 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 Lancia Kappa, 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 470 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lancia Kappa. (230 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lancia Kappa. 2008 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lancia Kappa has manual transmission. 1998 Lancia Kappa 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 Lancia Kappa | |
| Make | Alpina | Lancia |
| Model | B5 | Kappa |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2451 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
