2008 Alpina B5 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (254 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S. (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B5 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B5 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
