2006 Alpina B3 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Alpina B3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,347 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (196 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alpina B3 weights approximately 118 kg more than 2001 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2006 Alpina B3 (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercury Cougar. (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alpina B3 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercury |
| Model | B3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3347 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 58 L |
