2009 Alpina B5 vs. 1996 BMW 332
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 332. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 332 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 170 more horse power than 1996 BMW 332. (323 HP @ 7400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 332. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1996 BMW 332. 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 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 332. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 332. 2009 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 332 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 332 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 | 1996 BMW 332 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B5 | 332 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
