Car comparison

Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicvsBMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison
VS

BMW M5 (E39)

4.9 V8

400 hp4941 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedSedan1998-2000

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic

  • Fastest top speed
    290 km/h
    180 mph Unrestricted
    280 km/h
    174 mph Restricted
  • Highest torque
    560 Nm
    413 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.9 L/100 km
    19.8 mpg US
    23.7 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    798 km
    496 mi
  • Largest trunk
    500 L
  • Best economy score
    75/100
  • Best practicality score
    75/100

BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.3 s
  • Most powerful
    400 hp
    298 kW
  • Lightest
    1,720 kg
    3,792 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    233 hp/t
    173 kW/t
    4.3 kg/hp
  • Best overall score
    73/100
  • Best performance score
    73/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelAlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicBMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
Power
387hp289kW
400hp298kW
Torque
560Nm413lb-ft
500Nm369lb-ft
Curb weight
2,035kg4,486lb
1,720kg3,792lb
Gross weight
2,495kg5,501lb
2,290kg5,049lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
76.2s99% target: 287 km/h / 178 mph
Calculated
51.2s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.4s
5.3s
0-200 km/h
18.4s
Calculated
15.7s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.1s
Calculated
5.1s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.9L/100 km19.8mpg US23.7mpg UK
13.9L/100 km16.9mpg US20.3mpg UK
Fuel consumption city-
21.1L/100 km11.1mpg US13.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway-
9.8L/100 km24mpg US28.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.2s
Calculated
13.2s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
190hp/t142kW/t86hp/1000 lb
Calculated
233hp/t173kW/t105hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
275Nm/t184lb-ft/ton
Calculated
291Nm/t195lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
798km496mi
Calculated
504km313mi
Calculated
Displacement
5,646cc345cu in
4,941cc302cu in
Length
4,984mm196in
4,784mm188in
Width
1,862mm73in
1,800mm71in
Height
1,415mm56in
1,437mm57in
Wheelbase
2,930mm115in
2,830mm111in
Front track
1,552mm61in
1,515mm60in
Rear track
1,554mm61in
1,527mm60in
Trunk volume
500L
460L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
95L
70L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicBMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8PowerTorque
  • Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic: Power / Torque
  • BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic5,200 rpm4,100 rpm5,450 rpm
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V86,600 rpm3,800 rpm6,850 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricAlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicBMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.1 s
5.1 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.4 s
5.3 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
18.4 s
15.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.6 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
6.5 s
6.0 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.6 s
8.8 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.1 s
11.2 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.2 s
13.2 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
174 km/h
108 mph
184 km/h
114 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
387 hp
289 kW
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
400 hp
298 kW

BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8 has 13 hp more than Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic.

The biggest power difference is between Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic and BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8: 13 hp (10 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
560 Nm
413 lb-ft
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
500 Nm
369 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
2,035 kg
4,486 lb
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
1,720 kg
3,792 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic6.4 s
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V85.3 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8 and Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic: 1.1 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic and BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8: 2.0 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
190 hp/t
142 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
233 hp/t
173 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
798 km
496 mi
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
504 km
313 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
387 hp
289 kW
6.4 s
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
400 hp
298 kW
5.3 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
Power
387 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h6.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,984 mm
196.2 in
Height
1,415 mm
55.7 in
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
Power
400 hp
298 kW
0-100 km/h5.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,784 mm
188.3 in
Height
1,437 mm
56.6 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
Power
387 hp
289 kW
0-100 km/h6.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
Power
400 hp
298 kW
0-100 km/h5.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK

Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
6.4 s
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
5.3 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
AlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
190 hp/t
142 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
233 hp/t
173 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleAlpinaB12 (E38)5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicBMWM5 (E39)4.9 V8
Power
387 hp
289 kW
400 hp
298 kW
Torque
560 Nm
413 lb-ft
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.4 s
5.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
290 km/h180 mph
Restricted
280 km/h174 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
2,035 kg
4,486 lb
1,720 kg
3,792 lb
Fuel consumption
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
13.9 L/100 km
16.9 mpg US
20.3 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,984 mm
196.2 in
Height
1,415 mm
55.7 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Length
4,784 mm
188.3 in
Height
1,437 mm
56.6 in
Range score
798 km
496 mi
504 km
313 mi
Trunk score
500 L
17.7 cu ft
460 L
16.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
190 hp/t
142 kW/t
5.3 kg/hp
233 hp/t
173 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleAlpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat SwitchtronicBMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8
Consumption11.9 L/100 km19.8 mpg US23.7 mpg UK13.9 L/100 km16.9 mpg US20.3 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km20.83 LC100 km24.33 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi33.51 LC100 mi39.15 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,785 L472 US gal393 UK gal2,085 L551 US gal459 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,124 LC/year3,649 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic

  • Has 60 Nm more
  • Has 25 km/h (16 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 2.0 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 295 km (183 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 40 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest

BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8

  • Has 13 hp more
  • Is 315 kg lighter
  • Is 1.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 42 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Most powerful
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Alpina B12 (E38) 5.7 i V12 E-Kat Switchtronic
BMW M5 (E39) 4.9 V8
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2 vehicles selected

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