2009 Alpina B7 vs. 1987 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 Alpina B7 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B7 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 379 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B7 weights approximately 1024 kg more than 1987 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 B7 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 539 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318. 2009 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alpina B7 | 1987 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B7 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2580 mm |
