2009 Alpina B7 vs. 1989 BMW 316
To start off, 2009 Alpina B7 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 316 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B7 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 393 more horse power than 1989 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B7 weights approximately 880 kg more than 1989 BMW 316. 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 559 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 316. 2009 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW 316 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 | 1989 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B7 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 70 L |
