2008 Alpina B7 vs. 1996 BMW 540
To start off, 2008 Alpina B7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 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 211 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B7 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1996 BMW 540. 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 B7 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 540. (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B7 | 1996 BMW 540 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B7 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.9 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
