2009 Alpina B5 vs. 2008 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 Alpina B5 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 120 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B5 weights approximately 475 kg more than 2008 BMW 120.
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 499 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120. 2009 Alpina B5 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 120 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 | 2008 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B5 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
