2009 Alpina B7 vs. 1998 BMW M
To start off, 2009 Alpina B7 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW M 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 165 more horse power than 1998 BMW M. (328 HP @ 7400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B7 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1998 BMW M. 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 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW M. (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW M. 2009 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW M has manual transmission. 1998 BMW M 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 | 1998 BMW M | |
| Make | Alpina | BMW |
| Model | B7 | M |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 328 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 51 L |
