2009 Alpina B5 vs. 2003 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Citroen Xsara 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 426 more horse power than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2003 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 450 kg more than 2003 Citroen Xsara. 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, 2003 Citroen Xsara, 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 539 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Citroen Xsara. (161 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Citroen Xsara. 2009 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 2003 Citroen Xsara has manual transmission. 2003 Citroen Xsara 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 | 2003 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Alpina | Citroen |
| Model | B5 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2550 mm |
