2008 Alpina B5 vs. 2006 BMW 118
To start off, 2008 Alpina B5 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 118. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 118 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 366 more horse power than 2006 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 118 weights approximately 90 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 520 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 118. 2008 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 118 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 118 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 | 2006 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B5 | 118 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 314 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.3 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
