1957 Alpine A 106 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 is newer by 45 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 2,950 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 (227 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1957 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 should accelerate faster than 1957 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 weights approximately 1005 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.
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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 (540 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 483 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Alpine A 106. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 has automatic transmission and 1957 Alpine A 106 has manual transmission. 1957 Alpine A 106 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Alpine A 106 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C30 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | C30 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 2950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 62 L |
