2004 Alpina B3 vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Alpina B3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1973 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 605 kg more than 2004 Alpina B3.
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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Alpina B3. (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Alpina B3 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercury |
| Model | B3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
