2008 Alpina B7 vs. 1955 BMW 501
To start off, 2008 Alpina B7 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 BMW 501 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B7 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 383 more horse power than 1955 BMW 501. (110 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1955 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B7 weights approximately 615 kg more than 1955 BMW 501. 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. 2008 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1955 BMW 501 has manual transmission. 1955 BMW 501 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B7 | 1955 BMW 501 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B7 | 501 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 74.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2840 mm |
