2009 Alpina B5 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 262 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (231 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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 427 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B5 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | B5 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2810 mm |
