2008 Alpina B5 vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse 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 311 more horse power than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (182 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 20 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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 467 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Buick LaCrosse. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Buick LaCrosse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Alpina | Buick |
| Model | B5 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
