1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1970 Renault 12
To start off, 1970 Renault 12 is newer by 11 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 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Renault 12 weights approximately 395 kg more than 1959 Alpine A 106. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Alpine A 106. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1970 Renault 12, 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, 1970 Renault 12 (97 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1970 Renault 12 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 | 1970 Renault 12 | |
Make | Alpine | Renault |
Model | A 106 | 12 |
Year Released | 1959 | 1970 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 844 cc | 1289 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 49 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 57 Nm | 97 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2450 mm |