1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 54 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 118 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (43 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 118 weights approximately 870 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, 2012 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 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 | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 106 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 51 L |
