2009 Alpina B7 vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Alpina B7 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic 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 403 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B7 weights approximately 995 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Alpina B7 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 B7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic, 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 B7 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 576 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2009 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic 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 | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Alpina | Honda |
| Model | B7 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2630 mm |
