2009 BMW 118 vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 118. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 118 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 366 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 675 kg more than 2009 BMW 118. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW 118. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 519 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 118 | B7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 2205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 5225 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1494 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 3211 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 82 L |
