2003 Mercury Monterey vs. 2011 Alpina B5
To start off, 2011 Alpina B5 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercury Monterey. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercury Monterey would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 295 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Monterey. (198 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Monterey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercury Monterey weights approximately 290 kg more than 2011 Alpina B5.
Because 2011 Alpina B5 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 2011 Alpina B5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Monterey, 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, 2011 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 341 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Monterey. (359 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Monterey.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercury Monterey | 2011 Alpina B5 | |
| Make | Mercury | Alpina |
| Model | Monterey | B5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4194 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2010 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 70 L |
