2008 Alpina B5 vs. 2011 BMW 525
To start off, 2011 BMW 525 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Alpina B5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alpina B5 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 276 more horse power than 2011 BMW 525. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 525.
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 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 525. (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 2011 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B5 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 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 | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
