1957 Alpine A 108 vs. 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta
To start off, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (138 HP) has 89 more horse power than 1957 Alpine A 108. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta should accelerate faster than 1957 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta weights approximately 123 kg more than 1957 Alpine A 108. 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, 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 108. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Alpine A 108 | 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | |
| Make | Alpine | Fairthorpe |
| Model | A 108 | Zeta |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 904 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 673 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2230 mm |
