1955 Alpine A 106 vs. 1996 Volvo 850
To start off, 1996 Volvo 850 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 2,461 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volvo 850 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1955 Alpine A 106. (20 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1955 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 850 weights approximately 927 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, 1996 Volvo 850, 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, 1996 Volvo 850 (290 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 850 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 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volvo |
| Model | A 106 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2670 mm |
