1955 Alpine A 106 vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 41 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1955 Alpine A 106. (20 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1955 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 950 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 BMW M3 (320 Nm) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 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 | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 106 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 63 L |
