1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (43 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 697 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, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Alpine A 106. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 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. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Alpine A 106 | 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 55 L |
