2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2000 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mercury Tracer 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 192 more horse power than 2000 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alpina B3 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2000 Mercury Tracer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2000 Mercury Tracer, 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 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mercury Tracer. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mercury Tracer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2000 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercury |
| Model | B3 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
