2009 Alpina B5 vs. 1998 BMW Pickster
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW Pickster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW Pickster 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 176 more horse power than 1998 BMW Pickster. (317 HP @ 7400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Pickster.
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 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Pickster. (345 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Pickster. 2009 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW Pickster has manual transmission. 1998 BMW Pickster 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 | 1998 BMW Pickster | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B5 | Pickster |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| 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 | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 345 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 Length | 4850 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
