1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 17 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 801 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | A 106 | 230 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 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 | 555 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 65 L |
