1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1979 Simca 1308
To start off, 1979 Simca 1308 is newer by 20 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 1,292 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Simca 1308 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Simca 1308 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1959 Alpine A 106.
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, 1979 Simca 1308, 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, 1979 Simca 1308 (107 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Simca 1308 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 | 1979 Simca 1308 | |
| Make | Alpine | Simca |
| Model | A 106 | 1308 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 76.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 58 L |
