2008 Alpina B7 vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma
To start off, 2008 Alpina B7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma 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 378 more horse power than 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. (115 HP @ 5190 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B7 weights approximately 740 kg more than 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Alpina B7 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 B7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma, 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 B7 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 538 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma. 2008 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma has manual transmission. 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma 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 | 1996 Mitsubishi Carisma | |
| Make | Alpina | Mitsubishi |
| Model | B7 | Carisma |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1834 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5190 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
