1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 39 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (125 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 687 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, 1997 Ford Contour, 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, 1997 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour 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 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Alpine | Ford |
| Model | A 106 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2710 mm |
