1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 31 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 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Alpine A 106 (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Alpine A 106 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 285 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, 1989 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1989 Volkswagen Polo (76 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Polo 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 | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 76 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 55 L |
