1955 Alpine A 106 vs. 1978 Renault 12
To start off, 1978 Renault 12 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Alpine A 106. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Alpine A 106 would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1955 Alpine A 106. (20 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1955 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Renault 12 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1955 Alpine A 106. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Alpine A 106 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 1955 Alpine A 106. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Renault 12, 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, 1978 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Alpine A 106.
Compare all specifications:
1955 Alpine A 106 | 1978 Renault 12 | |
Make | Alpine | Renault |
Model | A 106 | 12 |
Year Released | 1955 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 747 cc | 1289 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 20 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 45 Nm | 94 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 900 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 56 L |