1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 1972 BMW 3
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 14 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (43 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 824 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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 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 | 1972 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 106 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2620 mm |
