1955 Alpine A 106 vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 33 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1955 Alpine A 106. (20 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1955 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 600 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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2630 mm |
