2005 Alpina B3 vs. 1999 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Alpina B3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alpina B3 weights approximately 136 kg more than 1999 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2005 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mercury Cougar. (223 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2005 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alpina B3 | 1999 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercury |
| Model | B3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2530 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 58 L |
