2009 Alpina B5 vs. 1998 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Civic 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 419 more horse power than 1998 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 765 kg more than 1998 Honda Civic. 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, 1998 Honda Civic, 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 590 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Civic. 2009 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1998 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Alpina | Honda |
| Model | B5 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
