2012 Alpina B7 vs. 1998 Honda S-MX
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda S-MX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda S-MX 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 371 more horse power than 1998 Honda S-MX. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda S-MX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 738 kg more than 1998 Honda S-MX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda S-MX is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Alpina B7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda S-MX 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 509 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S-MX. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S-MX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Alpina B7 | 1998 Honda S-MX | |
| Make | Alpina | Honda |
| Model | B7 | S-MX |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4400 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 699 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5085 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1902 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1483 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3071 mm | 2510 mm |
