1959 Alpine A 106 vs. 1990 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 1990 Mercury Tracer is newer by 31 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 610 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer, 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, 1990 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Alpine A 106. (45 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercury Tracer 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 | 1990 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Alpine | Mercury |
| Model | A 106 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 109 HP |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 530 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2110 mm | 2510 mm |
