2008 Alpina B7 vs. 2009 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Volvo S40 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Alpina B7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alpina B7 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 327 more horse power than 2009 Volvo S40. (166 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volvo S40.
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, 2009 Volvo S40, 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 530 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volvo S40. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B7 | 2009 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volvo |
| Model | B7 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1460 mm |
