1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Alpine A 106. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Alpine A 106 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1080 kg more than 1959 Alpine A 106.
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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 95 L |
