1957 Alpine A 106 vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 28 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 1,692 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Caterham 1700 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1957 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1957 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Alpine A 106 weights approximately 12 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
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, 1985 Caterham 1700 (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 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 | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | Alpine | Caterham |
| Model | A 106 | 1700 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2240 mm |
