1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 1998 Ford Ka
To start off, 1998 Ford Ka is newer by 40 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Ka (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Ka weights approximately 325 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, 1998 Ford Ka, 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, 1998 Ford Ka (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Ka 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 | 1998 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Alpine | Ford |
| Model | A 106 | Ka |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 40 L |
