2007 Alpina B5 vs. 2003 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2007 Alpina B5 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Alpina B5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Alpina B5 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 340 more horse power than 2003 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Alpina B5 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alpina B5 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2003 Mercury Sable. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Alpina B5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercury Sable, 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, 2007 Alpina B5 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 449 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2007 Alpina B5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alpina B5 | 2003 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercury |
| Model | B5 | Sable |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1722 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 85 L |
