1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (43 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1260 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Alpine A 106. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Alpine A 106 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | SL |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 80 L |
