2009 Alpina B7 vs. 2006 Volvo S40
To start off, 2009 Alpina B7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volvo S40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volvo S40 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 355 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alpina B7 weights approximately 590 kg more than 2006 Volvo S40. 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, 2006 Volvo S40, 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 480 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo S40. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo S40. 2009 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 2006 Volvo S40 has manual transmission. 2006 Volvo S40 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 | 2006 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Alpina | Volvo |
| Model | B7 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 62 L |
