2008 Alpina B7 vs. 2005 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 2008 Alpina B7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Vauxhall Astra 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 392 more horse power than 2005 Vauxhall Astra. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Vauxhall Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B7 weights approximately 610 kg more than 2005 Vauxhall Astra. 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, 2005 Vauxhall Astra, 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 550 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Vauxhall Astra. (150 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Vauxhall Astra. 2008 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 2005 Vauxhall Astra has manual transmission. 2005 Vauxhall Astra 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 | 2005 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Alpina | Vauxhall |
| Model | B7 | Astra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2620 mm |
