1957 Alpine A 106 vs. 1958 Austin A 40
To start off, 1958 Austin A 40 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Alpine A 106. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Alpine A 106 would be higher. At 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Alpine A 106 (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Alpine A 106 should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Austin A 40 weights approximately 206 kg more than 1957 Alpine A 106.
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, 1958 Austin A 40 (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1958 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Alpine A 106.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Alpine A 106 | 1958 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alpine | Austin |
| Model | A 106 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 761 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2130 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 26 L |
