1958 Alpine A 106 vs. 2012 BMW 650
To start off, 2012 BMW 650 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 650 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 357 more horse power than 1958 Alpine A 106. (43 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1958 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 650 weights approximately 1540 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 2012 BMW 650 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1958 Alpine A 106. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 650 will offer significantly more control. 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 650 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 564 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Alpine A 106. 2012 BMW 650 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. 2012 BMW 650 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Alpine A 106 | 2012 BMW 650 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 106 | 650 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 2090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2855 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 70 L |
