2003 Alpina B3 vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2003 Alpina B3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 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 (302 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 85 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, 2001 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Sable. (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alpina B3 | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercury |
| Model | B3 | Sable |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 68 L |
