1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 1996 BMW Z3
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 38 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (43 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 705 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Alpine A 106. 1996 BMW Z3 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. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Alpine A 106 | 1996 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 106 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 51 L |
