1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 24 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (43 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 350 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.
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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Alpine A 106. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit 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. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Alpine A 106 | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2410 mm |
