2008 Alpina B5 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 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 319 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (174 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 110 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 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (425 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B5 | E |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 425 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 314 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
