2009 Alpina B5 vs. 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 408 more horse power than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (85 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 540 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. 2009 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire has manual transmission. 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Alpina B5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B5 | 1956 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | |
| Make | Alpina | Armstrong Siddeley |
| Model | B5 | Sapphire |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2900 mm |
