1957 Alpine A 108 vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 44 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 5,437 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP) has 420 more horse power than 1957 Alpine A 108. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1957 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1405 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 632 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 108. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Alpine A 108. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1957 Alpine A 108 has manual transmission. 1957 Alpine A 108 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Alpine A 108 | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 108 | SL |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 904 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 469 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2570 mm |
