2003 Alpina B3 vs. 1999 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Sable. (197 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Sable weights approximately 115 kg more than 2003 Alpina B3.
Because 2003 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 2003 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Sable, 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, 2003 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Sable. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 1999 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercury |
| Model | B3 | Sable |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
