2008 Alpina B7 vs. 2001 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 Alpina B7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 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 377 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B7 weights approximately 550 kg more than 2001 BMW 318. 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 520 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2008 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 318 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 | 2001 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B7 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 63 L |
