1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 15 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), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1030 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1959 Alpine A 106 has manual transmission. 1959 Alpine A 106 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| 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 | 182 HP |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 90 L |
