2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. (223 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 268 kg more than 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis (372 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercury |
| Model | B3 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 4603 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 223 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1732 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
