1957 Alpine A 106 vs. 1992 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1992 Lotus Elan is newer by 35 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1957 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1957 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Lotus Elan weights approximately 465 kg more than 1957 Alpine A 106. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1992 Lotus Elan, 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, 1992 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1992 Lotus Elan 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 | 1992 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Alpine | Lotus |
| Model | A 106 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2260 mm |
