2009 Alpina B5 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan 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 330 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 790 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan, 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 496 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2009 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan 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 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alpina | Lotus |
| Model | B5 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2260 mm |
