1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is newer by 14 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 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 (53 HP) has 4 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen 1600 weights approximately 480 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.
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, 1973 Volkswagen 1600 (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1973 Volkswagen 1600 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 | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Alpine | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 106 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Rear |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 40 L |
