2008 Alpina B5 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz R would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz R. (302 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz R. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 520 kg more than 2008 Alpina B5.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Alpina B5. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz R will offer significantly more control. 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 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz R. (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz R.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B5 | R |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 314 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
