2008 Alpina B3 vs. 2004 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2008 Alpina B3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2004 Mercury Sable. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Sable weights approximately 136 kg more than 2008 Alpina B3.
Because 2008 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 2008 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2008 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercury Sable. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2008 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercury Sable. 2004 Mercury Sable has automatic transmission and 2008 Alpina B3 has manual transmission. 2008 Alpina B3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alpina B3 | 2004 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Alpina | Mercury |
| Model | B3 | Sable |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 85 L |
