2008 Mercury Sable vs. 2009 Alpina B3
To start off, 2009 Alpina B3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alpina B3 (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Sable. (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Sable weights approximately 559 kg more than 2009 Alpina B3.
Because 2009 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 2009 Alpina B3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2009 Alpina B3 (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Sable. (333 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Sable.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercury Sable | 2009 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Mercury | Alpina |
| Model | Sable | B3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3346 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 362 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2011 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 63 L |
