1957 Alpine A 108 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 45 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 3,997 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (246 HP) has 197 more horse power than 1957 Alpine A 108. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1957 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1440 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 492 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Alpine A 108. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Alpine A 108. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Alpine A 108 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 108 | S |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 904 cc | 3997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 246 HP |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 60 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2970 mm |
