1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1984 BMW 316
To start off, 1984 BMW 316 is newer by 25 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 1,767 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 316 (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 316 weights approximately 435 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, 1984 BMW 316 (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Alpine A 106. 1984 BMW 316 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. 1984 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Alpine A 106 | 1984 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Alpine | BMW |
| Model | A 106 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 1767 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 55 L |
