1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 1961 Trabant Universal
To start off, 1961 Trabant Universal is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Alpine A 106. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Alpine A 106 would be higher. At 845 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Alpine A 106 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Alpine A 106 (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1961 Trabant Universal. (20 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Alpine A 106 should accelerate faster than 1961 Trabant Universal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Trabant Universal weights approximately 111 kg more than 1958 Alpine A 106.
Because 1958 Alpine A 106 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Alpine A 106. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Trabant Universal, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1958 Alpine A 106 (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Trabant Universal. (44 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1958 Alpine A 106 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Trabant Universal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Alpine A 106 | 1961 Trabant Universal | |
| Make | Alpine | Trabant |
| Model | A 106 | Universal |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 20 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 44 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2030 mm |
