1957 Alpine A 106 vs. 1962 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1962 Wartburg 311 is newer by 5 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 992 cc (3 cylinders), 1962 Wartburg 311 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 49 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1957 Alpine A 106.
Because 1957 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 1957 Alpine A 106. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1962 Wartburg 311, 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, 1962 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1962 Wartburg 311 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 | 1962 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Alpine | Wartburg |
| Model | A 106 | 311 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 43 L |
