1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 1996 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 531 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, 1996 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, 1996 Volkswagen Polo (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 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 | 1996 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2410 mm |
