1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 51 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 371 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (43 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 770 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 355 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 106 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 63 L |
