2006 Alpina B3 vs. 1974 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Alpina B3 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1974 Mercury Cougar. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 50 kg more than 2006 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, 1974 Mercury Cougar (382 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alpina B3. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1974 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alpina B3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alpina B3 | 1974 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercury |
| Model | B3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3347 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
