1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 53 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 2,034 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz B (114 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (43 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz B should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz B weights approximately 920 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz B, 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz B (165 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz B 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | B |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 54 L |
