2009 Alpina B5 vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 Mitsubishi Lancer. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 724 kg more than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. 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 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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 592 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer. 2009 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer has manual transmission. 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Alpina | Mitsubishi |
| Model | B5 | Lancer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1299 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 | 108 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 |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
