1957 Alpine A 106 vs. 1981 Fiat 127
To start off, 1981 Fiat 127 is newer by 24 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 1,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 127 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Alpine A 106 (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Alpine A 106 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 127 weights approximately 280 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, 1981 Fiat 127, 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, 1981 Fiat 127 (76 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat 127 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 | 1981 Fiat 127 | |
| Make | Alpine | Fiat |
| Model | A 106 | 127 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2230 mm |
