2008 Alpina B7 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 4 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B7 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2012 BMW 550. (400 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 550. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2008 Alpina B7.
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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 550. (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 550. 2008 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 550 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 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B7 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
