2008 Alpina B5 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 4 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2012 BMW Z4. (335 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B5 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2012 BMW Z4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 2012 BMW Z4. (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW Z4. 2008 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW Z4 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 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B5 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
