2009 Alpina B5 vs. 1990 BMW 525
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 525 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 308 more horse power than 1990 BMW 525. (185 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1990 BMW 525. 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 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 525. (240 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 525. 2009 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 525 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 | 1990 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B5 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 309 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 9.2 seconds |
| 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 | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2770 mm |
