1957 Alpine A 108 vs. 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 26 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 (88 HP) has 39 more horse power than 1957 Alpine A 108. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1957 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 536 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, 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 108. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 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 | 1983 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 108 | 190 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 904 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 88 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2670 mm |
