1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 2003 BMW M3
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 45 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 887 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 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 | 2003 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 106 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 65 L |
