2008 Alpina B7 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B7 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 323 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alpina B7 weights approximately 614 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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 460 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Alpina | Volkswagen |
| Model | B7 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 55 L |
