2009 Alpina B7 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 2009 Alpina B7 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 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 380 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B7 weights approximately 600 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. 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 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518. 2009 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 518 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 518 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 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B7 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 12.4 seconds |
| 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 | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 80 L |
