1976 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Alpina B3
To start off, 2011 Alpina B3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B3 (355 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 470 kg more than 2011 Alpina B3.
Because 2011 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B3 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, 2011 Alpina B3 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercury Cougar. (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Alpina |
| Model | Cougar | B3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 377 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2730 mm |
