2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 2011 Alpina B5
To start off, 2011 Alpina B5 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 90 kg more than 2011 Alpina B5.
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, 2011 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 2011 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alpina |
| Model | CLS | B5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4965 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 309 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.1 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.3 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
