1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4
To start off, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (43 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 weights approximately 800 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 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 (186 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Alpine A 106. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 has automatic transmission and 1958 Alpine A 106 has manual transmission. 1958 Alpine A 106 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Alpine A 106 | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | 230.4 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.6 mm |
| 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 | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 65 L |
