2001 Alpina B3 vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alpina B3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alpina B3 would be higher. At 3,348 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 366 kg more than 2001 Alpina B3.
Because 2001 Alpina B3 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 2001 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2001 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alpina B3 | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercury |
| Model | B3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3348 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 2011 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
