1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1985 Mazda 323
To start off, 1985 Mazda 323 is newer by 26 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 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 323 (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1959 Alpine A 106. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1959 Alpine A 106. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda 323 weights approximately 327 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.
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, 1985 Mazda 323, 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, 1985 Mazda 323 (117 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda 323 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 | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Alpine | Mazda |
| Model | A 106 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 844 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 28 L | 45 L |
