2009 Alpina B5 vs. 1988 Honda Legend
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Legend would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 305 more horse power than 1988 Honda Legend. (188 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Legend. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1988 Honda Legend. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Alpina B5 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 2009 Alpina B5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Legend, 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, 2009 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 459 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Legend. (241 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Legend.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B5 | 1988 Honda Legend | |
| Make | Alpina | Honda |
| Model | B5 | Legend |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
