1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1971 BMW 3
To start off, 1971 BMW 3 is newer by 12 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 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 850 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, 1971 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 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 | 1971 BMW 3 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 106 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| 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 | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 75 L |
