2008 Alpina B5 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A 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 359 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (134 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1022 kg more than 2008 Alpina B5.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 515 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz A. 2008 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 2011 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B5 | A |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
