1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 1957 Austin A 40
To start off, 1958 Alpine A 106 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Austin A 40 (49 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (43 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Austin A 40 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1958 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, 1957 Austin A 40 (100 Nm @ 2100 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1957 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Alpine A 106.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Alpine A 106 | 1957 Austin A 40 | |
| Make | Alpine | Austin |
| Model | A 106 | A 40 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 72 L |
